An exquisite, superb quality 18ct rose gold English School portrait miniature locket with a glazed compartment in the back containing a hair weave and gold monogrammed cipher.
Dating to 1780 the locket is an impressive size but not too big for practical wear. The gold has the lovely rosy red hue of antique gold and it has a long decorative watch winder style bale at the top that is hinged.
The hand painted watercolour shows a very skillful hand and it portrays a young gent in a grey coat and a ruffled white neckcloth wearing a curly powdered wig. The hair weave in the back is a mid brown shade and the monogram looks to be 'RKC'
A gorgeous piece of original Georgian sentimental jewellery that is steeped in history and just as wearable today as it was when it was made well over 200 years ago. Portrait miniatures were used as portable and wearable reminders of loved ones long before the advent of photography and they offer us a fascinating glimpse into the past.
MATERIALS: 18ct rose gold, acid tested
MEASUREMENTS: 2-3/8" (6cm) tall including bail, 1-1/2" (4cm) wide, 10mm deep
WEIGHT: 18.1 grams
DATE: Georgian, circa 1780
HALLMARKS: none
CONDITION: the locket, hairwork and painting is in excellent antique condition with light surface wear and signs of age as expected but nothing untoward.