WOW! What an amazing buckle locket. Unlike anything we have ever seen. Wide belt with large buckle forms a vertical ribbon down the center of the locket. Two wide prongs form the buckle enclosure. Buckle portion is exaggerated and raised from the locket itself. With its completely unadorned surface, this buckle locket creates a modern feel yet dating to the Victorian period. Most buckle lockets are daintier and have engraving.
Measuring 2.5" long including bale and 2" wide. Incredibly large and stately. Just one of the best.
Locket is a single locket meaning it has only the locket portion hidden in the back of this top half. A glass covers the back half of this buckle portion. Currently a lock of hair is stowed in this portion. This most likely indicates it was a mourning piece but could just as easily been the lock of hair of the loved one who gave it to recipient.
If searching for a buckle or looking for something unusual and unpredictable, then this is the locket for you. Excellent condition with no issues.
If so desired, it can also be worn as a pin as this doubled as a pin and pendant.
The ideology in Victorian times was that more was better. Thus, ladies would be adorned with several lockets and bracelets at one time which is why the bracelets were designed with flat sides to make it easier for them to stack and chains will be found in all lengths. This line of thinking better explains the elaborate details of the lockets, earrings, and chains. Some think of this time as being simpler, but it really was a time of lavishness. The silver jewelry was often their traveling jewelry while they would save their jewels for galas and gatherings.
These pieces were not mass produced; thus, each piece is truly a work of art. They were not made for export to the United States which makes their availability limited. Often one will see pictures of Queen Victoria wearing a locket or another bold piece of jewelry. This was deliberate as she wanted to promote the industry. She was so successful that they had to open an assay office in Birmingham. Assay offices were where the piece was impressed with a stamp indicating type of metal, year of production, and origin of production. This was certifying the piece by the Crown…somewhat similar to notarizing something today. Prior to the opening of the Birmingham assay office, the jewelry makers had to send all their wares to London for testing. Once tested, the piece would then be marked and could be sold for silver. There are books to help you identify each of these assay marks. The majority of the pieces sold were not marked as there was not a safe means to transport the items to and from the assay offices.
Dimensions:2.5" x 2"
Condition:Excellent condition. Glass on back is secure.
Web ID:MA20-412
Price:Free Shipping. We professionally package and can easily, safely ship any item, fully insured, within the US.
