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Large Highly Polished Rose Gold Zigzag Edge with Elongated Central Vine Antique English Silver Locket

Description:

Just spectacular!  Highly polished with a thick rose gold applied zigzagging band outlined the edge and elongated vine of rose gold flowers with yellow leaves.  Intricate engraving forms the central vine.  Decoration is crisp and creates a very clean design.  Locket is higher grade than even sterling and must have been made by one of the top craftsmen due to the silkiness of the locket.  Pieces such as these are scarce and are always treasured and one of our best pieces.

Nice medium to large size, measuring 2.75" long including the bale and 1.25" wide.

Fully hallmarked on the back. Back is absent of decoration.

Can be paired with a slightly wispy link chain, as shown, to create a wonderfully feminine look or with one a bit chunkier in order to create a bolder look.  Feel free to contact us to allow us to assist you in choosing the perfect chain for you.

Chain and locket are sold separately.

Excellent condition.  Closes snugly and stays shut.

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:

2.75" x 1.25"

Condition:

Excellent condition.  Closes snugly and stays shut.

Web ID:

MA20-426

Price:
$435


Shipping:

Free Shipping. We professionally package and can easily, safely ship any item, fully insured, within the US.



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