Victorian Gold Locket with Diamonds & Natural Pearls, Inscribed 1882

Heavy, rich, shining gold forms the antique locket presented here. The rounded edges are soft and comfortable to hold. Precious jewels are embedded on the front: Large, split natural pearls with a silky lustre shimmer between sparkling old-cut diamonds. All the gemstones are set in recessed settings with engraved outlines. Together, they form an abstract pattern with floral references. On the back of the locket, we read the hand-engraved initials A, M and C intertwined to form a monogram, with the date "7th June 1882" below. The interior contains two glazed frames; behind one is an artfully arranged lock of hair decorated with a gold thread. However, the locket was not a mourning or memorial ornament: it is far too precious, far too elaborately decorated for that, and thus does not conform to mourning etiquette. Rather, it was a sentimental gift, possibly between lovers. It may have been a gift for a birth, a birthday or another special day. The bail of the locket is voluminous, typical of the time, to accommodate a velvet ribbon. This was worn as a choker around the neck. However, a thicker gold chain can also be wonderfully combined with the antique pendant today.

Estimation:€4,290

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