Victorian 9ct Gold Engraved Double Sided Oval Photo Locket Pendant

A beautiful antique Victorian locket pendant, crafted in warm 9ct gold and richly decorated with exquisite hand engraving. The romantic botanical decoration is characteristic of Victorian sentimental jewellery, with one side featuring delicate floral motifs, wild roses and gracefully curling acanthus leaves. The reverse offers an entirely different design, with symbolic ivy and flowing foliage surrounding a vacant shield-shaped cartouche, originally intended for a personal initial or monogram.

With two distinctly different engraved faces, this is almost like having two lockets in one, offering a lovely choice of design depending on how it is worn.

The gold has a wonderfully warm, subtle rosy-red hue, a particularly attractive colour often associated with antique gold.

Opening from the side, the locket reveals two unused compartments for photographs, retaining their original gold frames and clear acetate protective covers. Even the original paper linings survive, printed in charming Victorian script. Although partially obscured, the wording can still be made out as "9 Carat Guaranteed Gold", a lovely little detail connecting this piece to its original manufacture.

One side of the locket is stamped "A&C 9 CT BKS FTS", indicating 9ct gold backs and fronts. This distinctive construction was used for a relatively short period, around 1890–1915, making it a fleeting trend in British hallmarking. The lockets are generally understood to made in predominantly 9ct gold (90-95%), with some components such as the inner rims and photograph frames made in a stronger gold-plated metal. A lesson in Victorian practicality, this combination provided the beauty and intrinsic value of gold where it mattered most, with additional strength and durability in the working components.

We are including a new complimentary 16-inch gold vermeil chain (gold-plated sterling silver), ready for immediate wear or gifting. The locket also has a generous 6mm gold jump ring, allowing it to be worn with your own gold chain if preferred.

A beautiful example of Victorian sentimental jewellery, retaining its original photographic fittings and a wonderful sense of its history. Ready to hold your own treasured photographs and become part of a new story.

DETAILS:
METAL: 9ct gold
SIZE: Locket 3cm (1-1/4 inch) high, 2.3cm (7/8 inch) wide, 6.5mm deep. Chain 16"/41cm
DATE: Victorian, circa 1890
WEIGHT: 3.8 grams (without chain)
HALLMARKS: Stamped A&C 9 CT BKS FTS
CONDITION: In very good antique condition, with light surface wear commensurate with age and use. The hinge is in good order and the locket closes securely with a reassuring click. The original photograph frames, protective covers and paper linings are all present. Please disregard any apparent distortions in the shield-shaped cartouche in the photographs; its highly reflective surface makes it particularly difficult to photograph accurately.

At Mercy Madge we offer quality antique and vintage jewellery sourced in Great Britain. All of our pieces are professionally cleaned and polished, ensuring they are ready to wear and enjoy, or present as a thoughtful gift.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
* Free Worldwide Shipping
We are pleased to offer complimentary worldwide shipping on all purchases. For our US and EU customers, all applicable tariffs and import charges are included in the purchase price, so no additional duties or fees will be payable on delivery.
* Returns Policy
If for any reason you are not completely satisfied, you may return your item for a refund. Please contact us within 3 days of receiving your order and return the item within 7 days.
* Gemstone Testing & Measurements
All gemstones have been tested and verified using a Presidium Gemstone Tester. Please note that all measurements and stated carat weights are approximate.
* Photography & Scale
Our photographs are taken in extreme close-up to show every fine detail. As a result, minor imperfections may appear more pronounced in images than they do to the naked eye. Close-up photography can also make pieces appear larger on screen, so we recommend referring carefully to the written description for precise dimensions.
* Gifting
Purchasing as a gift? Your jewellery will arrive beautifully gift wrapped in a custom Mercy Madge jewellery box. Please note that unless otherwise stated, any antique boxes shown in photographs are for display purposes only and are not included in the sale.