Simply stunning! This highly unusually shaped locket bears fabulous decoration. Heart shaped gallery wire outlines the arced top portion while a wide row of "studs" forms the lower decoration. These "studs" are raised and sometimes referred to as cut steel given their reflective nature. Decoration known as cut steel was created in order to mimic the faceted nature of diamonds. Studded pieces are highly coveted.
Rose and yellow gold flowers form a bouquet in a rose gold urn. This bouquet consists of various flowers and trailing vines. Beads or balls adorn the outer edge of the locket. Everything about this locket is over the top.
Truly one of the best and most interesting lockets we have had. It has all the bells and whistles. Incorporates all the most desired attributes of Victorian lockets.
2.5" long and 1.5" wide at the widest. Quite a sizeable piece. Blurred hallmark on the back. Back is plain with no decoration.
Good condition. No major dents or dings. All decoration is in pristine condition. Fabulous fat bale.
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 1.5"
Condition:Good condition. No major dents or dings. All decoration is in pristine condition. Fabulous fat bale.
Web ID:MA20-404
Price:Free Shipping. We professionally package and can easily, safely ship any item, fully insured, within the US.
