A beautifully crafted Victorian 9ct gold locket-style breloque pendant, richly engraved on both sides to offer two distinct and equally decorative faces.
One side features a romantic heart and keyhole motif — a timeless symbol of a “locked heart,” suggesting love held close and secrets kept safe. The reverse is adorned with delicately engraved floral flourishes and flowing scrollwork, centred by a vacant epaulette-shaped cartouche ready to be personalised with a monogram.
The locket opens neatly from the side to reveal two interior compartments. One retains its original photograph frame with glass cover and fabric liner, while the deeper compartment would traditionally have housed a lock or weave of hair — ideal now for a second photograph or a small personal keepsake.
Constructed with a solid gold, front, back and over-sized bale, the deep sides are heavily gold-cased providing both strength and durability — a practical and well-considered construction typical of quality Victorian pieces.
The piece is in very good antique condition. The engraving remains crisp with the locket closing securely with a satisfying snap. There is little wear to the locket edges on the keyhole side at the top near the bale. The interior shows visible soldering consistent with period manufacture, neither of which detracts when worn.
A versatile and deeply symbolic Victorian love token — equally suited to a watch chain or worn as a statement pendant.
Details
MATERIALS: 9ct yellow gold
MEASUREMENTS: 2cm (7/8") diameter, 6.2mm depth
BALE: 11 x 6.5mm
WEIGHT: 5.6 grams
DATE: Circa 1880
HALLMARKS: Unmarked, acid tested as 9ct gold
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.
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Materials: 9ct Yellow Gold.