A beautiful antique Victorian spinner locket featuring an applied enamelled 'AEI' monogram to one side and intricate floral engraving to the other, complete with a shield-shaped cartouche intended to bear the engraved initials of the person to whom it was given.
AEI stands for Amity, Eternity, Infinity — a romantic Victorian sentiment symbolising friendship, everlasting devotion and endless love. Victorian jewellers delighted in the language of symbolism, creating pieces that carried heartfelt messages beneath their decorative beauty.
Crafted in gold vermeil (gold-plated sterling silver), the oval locket is mounted within an ornate floral-engraved frame with a large integral suspension ring at the top. The generous size of the suspension ring suggests it was designed to be worn on a Victorian book chain or perhaps attached to a gentleman's watch chain as a breloque charm.
The locket opens from the top to reveal a deep, fabric-lined compartment to one side. The opposing side is also lined and retains a picture ring together with a Perspex photo cover. Ideal for housing treasured photographs, locks of hair, pressed flowers or other cherished keepsakes, it remains a wonderfully personal piece more than a century after it was made.
Rich in Victorian sentiment and symbolism, this charming keepsake locket speaks of friendship, devotion and remembrance. Beautifully crafted and wonderfully personal, it remains every bit as meaningful today as when it was first gifted over a century ago.
DETAILS:
METAL: Gold-plated sterling silver
SIZE: 4.2cm (1-3/4 inch) tall, 3cm wide (1-1/4 inch), 8.3mm deep. Suspension ring internal diameter: 8mm diameter
DATE: circa 1880, Victorian
WEIGHT: 13.6 grams
HALLMARKS: None, acid tested and verified gold plated sterling
CONDITION: In very good antique condition with light surface wear as expected given age. Minimal loss to the enamelling. No dents or dings and the locket close securely.
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At Mercy Madge we offer quality antique and vintage jewellery sourced in Great Britain. All of our pieces are professionally cleaned and polished so they are ready to wear and enjoy or give as a gift.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
* Free worldwide shipping on all purchases.
* Returns - you can return your item for a refund for any reason. Just get in touch within 3 days of receiving your order and return it within 7 days.
* All gemstones have been tested and verified using a Presidium Gemstone Tester. All measurements and carat weights given are approximations.
* Our photographs have been taken in extreme close up to show you every tiny detail. This often means that any flaws or damage which you can see on the photos will be invisible when viewed normally with the eye. This can also mean that the item can appear larger on the screen than it is in person, so please be sure to read our written description to double check all sizes and dimensions.
* Buying a gift? – Your item will arrive gift wrapped in a custom Mercy Madge jewellery box. Please note, unless otherwise stated antique boxes in our photos are for display only and are not included in the purchase.
