This charming love-heart shaped antique locket dates to around 1900 - an Edwardian period piece and it is made of a warm old yellow gold with a slight rosy hue. The front of the locket is engraved in a pretty floral pattern with the back plain apart from the gold marks.
The locket opens from the side to reveal 2 stations for photos. Currently there is a frame in one side of the locket along with a black and white photo of a baby which can be left in or removed and replaced with your own. If you wanted to put a 2nd photo in the locket just cut it slightly larger and tuck it under the rim to anchor it in place.
This locket is stamped "9ct Front & Back". Back and Front lockets are typical of English lockets of the era. In the late Victorian and Edwardian period lockets were often constructed with solid gold fronts and solid gold backs (the metal at the front is a sheet of solid gold and the metal at the back is also a sheet of solid gold). The rims, hinges and loose frames inside are generally made of a hard gold plated base metal.
This antique method of construction allowed for personalised deep engraving (like a monogram or name) which would not have been possible on gold plated lockets. It also results in stronger more durable locket that will withstand plenty of use - since gold is a soft metal there is always a risk of breaking the hinge or buckling the locket if opened and closed too often. Gold B&F lockets are usually 90 – 95% solid gold and the plated parts usually have such a good thickness of gold that it still stands 100 years later.
ERA: Edwardian, 1901-1914
WEIGHT: 2.6 grams
SIZE: 1" (2.5cm) tall, 3/4" (2cm) wide, 3mm deep, jump ring 5mm diameter (please note the chain is not included)
MARKS: stamped "9ct Front & Back"
CONDITION: in fair antique condition with surface dings in the soft gold and light scratches (the dings are more apparent on the back). The hinge is in good order and the locket closes securely with a satisfying click. The locket is priced in accordance with it's worn condition, it still remains a lovely and very wearable piece of history, please see the photos.
At Mercy Madge we offer antique and vintage jewellery that is special and each piece is hand selected by us for you. We rarely come across two identical old treasures, once they are gone, they are truly gone! All of our jewellery is sympathetically cleaned and polished and ready for you to wear and enjoy.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
SHIPPING - FREE SHIPPING worldwide, orders are despatched next business day and sent tracked and insured.
RETURNS - you can return your item for a full refund for any reason. Just get in touch within 3 days of receiving your order if you wish to do so.
DISCOUNT? - find special discount and no sales tax on our website at www.mercymadge.com
BUYING A GIFT? - all items will arrive gift wrapped in a Mercy Madge custom jewellery box.
LAYAWAY? - we offer a free layaway plan on any item over £150. A 25% deposit will secure and reserve the item for you with the balance due in 60 days. If you would like to place an item on layaway, please send us a message and we will assist in setting this up for you.
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Materials: Gold.