Victorian gold, blue and white enamel heart locket.
Both ‘baby’ blue enamel sides with white enamel border, opening to reveal one glazed interior containing a lock of hair.
Until increasing literacy levels of the 19th century symbols were necessary to display meaning, the heart representing the seat of emotion, affection and love. The heart motif is longstanding, some say the heart shape is that of two human hearts joined together, others describe it as the shape of the silphium plant, cultivated into extinction by the Romans and known for its birth control properties.
Heart jewellery is known since the medieval times, often inscribed with a token of love, or as a protective talisman. Queen Victoria owned many heart-shape jewels, helping cement their popularity through till today.
Marks:
Apparently unmarked for maker or metal.
Electronically tests as approximately 15ct gold.
Date:
Victorian.
Length:
Length 2.6cms. Length of heart 1.8cms.
Condition:
Generally good. Surface abrasion to the enamel.
By clicking to ‘Purchase’ you agree to having read the Important Information for Purchasers.
Our primary concern is that you are pleased with your purchase. Please feel free to ask as many questions as you like about a product before clicking purchase. We appreciate patina and the ‘age’ that older pieces acquire, because of this we do not polish pieces to strip away the age (though your local jeweller may be willing to do this for you for a small fee). Secondhand, vintage and antique pieces will naturally show scratches and small marks, these will often appear more noticeable in the enlarged images that we have made available for you. Our images are as realistic as they can be. Although any appreciable defects/damages will be mentioned please do inspect the images as they do form a part of the condition report.
Antique items may longer not be suitable for everyday wear or may benefit from thoughtful consideration when worn with care.
Victorian gold, blue and white enamel heart locket.
Both ‘baby’ blue enamel sides with white enamel border, opening to reveal one glazed interior containing a lock of hair.
Until increasing literacy levels of the 19th century symbols were necessary to display meaning, the heart representing the seat of emotion, affection and love. The heart motif is longstanding, some say the heart shape is that of two human hearts joined together, others describe it as the shape of the silphium plant, cultivated into extinction by the Romans and known for its birth control properties.
Heart jewellery is known since the medieval times, often inscribed with a token of love, or as a protective talisman. Queen Victoria owned many heart-shape jewels, helping cement their popularity through till today.
Marks:
Apparently unmarked for maker or metal.
Electronically tests as approximately 15ct gold.
Date:
Victorian.
Length:
Length 2.6cms. Length of heart 1.8cms.
Condition:
Generally good. Surface abrasion to the enamel.
By clicking to ‘Purchase’ you agree to having read the Important Information for Purchasers.
Our primary concern is that you are pleased with your purchase. Please feel free to ask as many questions as you like about a product before clicking purchase. We appreciate patina and the ‘age’ that older pieces acquire, because of this we do not polish pieces to strip away the age (though your local jeweller may be willing to do this for you for a small fee). Secondhand, vintage and antique pieces will naturally show scratches and small marks, these will often appear more noticeable in the enlarged images that we have made available for you. Our images are as realistic as they can be. Although any appreciable defects/damages will be mentioned please do inspect the images as they do form a part of the condition report.
Antique items may longer not be suitable for everyday wear or may benefit from thoughtful consideration when worn with care.