Antique Victorian silver gilt locket adorned with engravings of flowers and ivy. The central design has a woven pattern around it giving the locket a scalloped edge. Inside the locket there are two compartments where pictures could be held. The locket is made from silver gilt, this is the process of laying gold over silver.

The locket is strung on a thick Victorian pinchbeck chain with a new gold tone clasp. Pinchbeck is a metal alloy consisting of brass, zinc and copper made by Christopher Pinchbeck in the 1720s. He was a London clockmaker and Pinchbeck was developed as an alternative to gold. The material was lighter and did not tarnish and could be made into intricate designs.

During the Victorian era, young Victorian women would hide a picture of a man they admired, if the man offered up a lock of hair, a marriage proposal usually would follow. Lockets were considered a statement of an intention to marry.

In the Victorian era the Ivy leaf symbolised love, affection, fidelity, friendship and affection.

ERA

Victorian, 1837-1901

MEASUREMENTS

The locket measures 4.5cm / 1.7" in height (excluding bail) and 3.7cm / 1.4" in width. The chain measures 51cm / 20" in length and 2.5cm / 0.09" in wdith.

CONDITION

Excellent.

SKU

6181