Circa 1850 this monumental sized antique 9ct gold mourning brooch features a locket compartment at the front containing a weave of white blonde hair.
The paleness of the hair colour suggests that it belonged to a child and the sheer size and quality of the brooch tells us that their passing was of great significance to the wearer. Without a doubt the dearly departed was greatly missed and memorialised accordingly.
Superb quality and Gothic Revival in design, a style very fashionable in the 17th & 18th centuries the front is decorated in black enamel with repousse rococo flourishes in gold. The oval locket box at the front is set into a gold bezel with the hair weave set behind thick glass.
A thick gauge curved pin stem and heavy duty c-clasp completes this exquisite example of high Victorian "grand period" mourning jewellery!
MATERIALS: 9ct gold. We have acid tested this piece on the back to verify it is solid gold and it passes our tests. It could conceivably be gold cased, if it is then the gold overlay is extremely thick and we are reluctant to file down any deeper in fear of causing damage.
MEASUREMENTS: 2-7/8" (7cm) wide, 2" (5cm) top to bottom, the hair compartment measures 38x26mm.
WEIGHT: 35 grams
HALLMARKS: None
DATE: Victorian, circa 1850
CONDITION: very, very good antique condition with light surface wear as expected in a piece this age, please see photos. Any discoloured areas on the gold are camera reflection and there is no noted loss to the black enamel. The hair weave is still well pillowed with minimal signs of any dust or debris behind the glass and the pin back is in perfect working order.
At Mercy Madge we offer distinctive and unique antique and vintage jewellery. Each piece is carefully hand selected by us, with you in mind. We rarely come across two identical old treasures, once they are gone, they are truly gone!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- FREE DELIVERY on all orders worldwide. All orders are despatched next business day and sent with full tracking.
- RETURNS, you can return your item for a refund for any reason. Just get in touch within 3 days of receiving your order if you wish to do so.
- Unless otherwise stated any antique boxes in our photos are for display only and are not included in purchase. However, do rest assured all items will arrive gift wrapped in a custom Mercy Madge jewellery presentation box.
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