A rare survivor of Victorian Scotland, this magnificent antique sterling silver brooch is beautifully inlaid with richly banded Scottish malachite and conceals one of its most enchanting secrets—a hidden glass-fronted locket tucked behind the decorative front panel. Both a striking piece of jewellery and a deeply personal keepsake, it perfectly captures the romance and craftsmanship of the era.
Statement sized, the brooch features an elegant oval design with intricate Celtic-inspired silver engraving surrounding vivid panels of natural malachite, their swirling shades of emerald and deep forest green creating a dramatic contrast against the polished silver. A detachable safety chain completes the piece, adding both practicality and the ornamental flourish so admired in Victorian jewellery.
Steeped in sentiment, the concealed locket still houses its original faded sepia portrait of a Victorian lady on printed photographic card—a touching reminder of the life it once commemorated. The silver photograph frame lifts out easily, allowing the portrait to be replaced with your own treasured photograph if desired.
The glass covering the photograph has a stable age-related crack. As it is securely mounted within a window-frame style setting, the glass remains firm with no movement and the integrity of the locket is unaffected.
Scottish jewellery of the nineteenth century—often referred to as Scottish pebble jewellery—is celebrated for its exuberant use of native hardstones including agates, jasper, bloodstone and malachite. Its popularity soared after Queen Victoria purchased Balmoral Castle in 1852 and embraced Scottish culture, creating an international demand for these distinctive designs that continues among collectors today.
Whether worn as a dramatic statement brooch or treasured as a fascinating collector's piece, this exceptional locket brooch is a beautiful reminder of the Victorian love of jewellery that was designed not only to adorn, but also to preserve the memories of those held closest to the heart. Fine concealed locket brooches such as this are becoming increasingly difficult to find, making it a particularly desirable addition to any collection of Victorian Scottish jewellery.
THE DETAILS~
METAL: Sterling silver, professionally tested
GEMSTONE: Scottish malachite
SIZE: 4.4cm (1¾ inches) high × 3.5cm (1⅜ inches) wide × 10.7mm deep
HALLMARKS: None, as is typical of early Scottish pieces
WEIGHT: 19.3 grams
DATE: Victorian, circa 1860–1880
CONDITION: In very good antique condition with light age-related surface wear. The malachite panels are secure, the concealed locket door closes firmly with a satisfying click, and the pin and detachable safety chain are in excellent working order. The photograph glass has a stable crack as described above, which is securely held within its mount.
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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 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.
