A brooch containing a lock of hair from Edward IV, the first Yorkist king of England, will be included in U.K. auction house Dreweatts’ Fine Jewellery and Watches sale on Nov. 20.
Following Edward IV’s death in 1483, he was laid to rest in St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. His tomb remained undisturbed until the late 18th century: During renovations to the chapel, workers accidentally broke into Edward IV’s burial chamber. Before the tomb was resealed, strands of the king’s hair (which were remarkably well-preserved) were collected for mourning jewelry.
The brooch to be offered at auction was made circa 1789 and features King Edward IV’s hair fashioned into a bow and set within a glazed oval bezel of blue enamel. Old European cut diamonds surround the oval, and rose-cut diamonds adorn the crown and monogram ER (for Edward Rex, King Edward in Latin) that are in the brooch with the hair. The jewel is estimated to sell for £5,000 to £8,000, or approximately $6,300–$10,100.
Edward IV reigned from 1461 to 1483, except for six months from 1470 to 1471 when he was deposed during the War of the Roses. His legacy is multifaceted, defined by military triumphs, efforts to bring stability to the kingdom, and the enduring mystery of his sons, the “princes in the tower.”
The Society of Antiquaries of London and the city’s Wellcome Collection museum also possess locks of King Edward IV’s hair. Christie’s sold a mourning ring containing his hair in October 1995.
The Dreweatts sale will be held at the auctioneer’s location in Newbury.
(Photos courtesy of Dreweatts)
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