{"product_id":"antique-edwardian-rolled-gold-picture-43813","title":"Antique Edwardian Rolled Gold Picture Pendant Necklace: Rare Original Hand Coloured Two Portrait Locket","description":"\u003cp\u003eMore than just a picture pendant, this beautiful antique Edwardian locket is a little time capsule that has quietly preserved its own history for well over a century. Hidden beneath later family photographs were two enchanting hand-coloured studio portraits that appear to have been fitted when the pendant was first sold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen we first acquired the pendant, it displayed two fairly typical black and white family portraits. During careful cleaning, however, we made a delightful discovery. Beneath them were two beautifully hand-coloured studio portraits. One depicts a sophisticated young woman in fashionable Edwardian dress, while the other is an elegant artistic study of a woman draped in classical Grecian robes, reflecting the Edwardian fascination with romantic antiquity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese professionally produced portraits were almost certainly intended for picture lockets and may well have been the decorative inserts originally fitted when the pendant was first sold. Protected from light and handling for well over a century by the later family photographs placed over them, they remain remarkably well preserved and offer a fascinating glimpse into how the locket may originally have been presented before becoming a treasured personal keepsake.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rolled rose gold frame is richly embossed with an attractive floral design and has developed a beautiful warm patina over the past century. The pendant opens by unscrewing the bail at the top, allowing access to the interior. Both original gently domed glass covers remain in place, adding depth and charm to the portraits beneath, and are exceptionally well preserved with no chips, cracks or noticeable scratches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo make the pendant ready to wear, we have paired it with a new rose gold vermeil (gold-plated sterling silver) chain. The delicate diamond-cut anchor links catch the light beautifully and complement the warm tones of the pendant while remaining sympathetic to its Edwardian character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRolled gold (also known as gold-filled) represented the finest quality alternative to solid gold during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Rather than a thin surface plating, a substantial layer of gold was permanently bonded to a base metal core under pressure, creating jewellery of remarkable durability, warmth and longevity. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost decorative photographs originally supplied with picture lockets were discarded once owners replaced them with portraits of loved ones, making surviving examples surprisingly scarce. In this remarkable little time capsule, each generation quietly added its own chapter while preserving the last. We are including the later black and white family photographs with the pendant so its complete story can remain together. A beautiful Edwardian picture pendant with a remarkable hidden history, preserved through generations and ready to begin its next chapter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDETAILS~\u003cbr\u003e\nMETAL: Rose rolled gold (not solid gold)\u003cbr\u003e\nSIZE: Pendant 4.4cm (1-3\/4 inch) tall including bail, 3.2cm (1-1\/4 inch) across. Photos 30mm diameter. Chain 18\" (46cm)\u003cbr\u003e\nDATE: Edwardian, circa 1905\u003cbr\u003e\nWEIGHT: 7.8 grams total\u003cbr\u003e\nHALLMARKS: None. Tested and assessed as rolled gold\/gold filled. Chain stamped \"925\".\u003cbr\u003e\nCONDITION: Excellent antique condition with minimal if any wear to the gold overlay which retains a remarkably rich rose-gold colour throughout. There is no noticeable tarnish, and the piece has the appearance and feel of solid gold. The studio photos are bright and clear, the glass is free of chips or cracks and is remarkably scratch free.\u003cbr\u003e\n______________________________________\u003cbr\u003e\nAt 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.\u003cbr\u003e\nADDITIONAL INFORMATION\u003cbr\u003e\n* Free worldwide shipping on all purchases.\u003cbr\u003e\n* 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.\u003cbr\u003e\n* All gemstones have been tested and verified using a Presidium Gemstone Tester. All measurements and carat weights given are approximations.\u003cbr\u003e\n * 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.\u003cbr\u003e\n* 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mercy Madge","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56339832865147,"sku":null,"price":275.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0301\/3256\/8203\/files\/il_fullxfull.8290910925_50b6.jpg?v=1784283786","url":"https:\/\/mercymadge.com\/products\/antique-edwardian-rolled-gold-picture-43813","provider":"Mercy Madge ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}