Large Antique Locket Pendant Made of Onyx, Gold & Enamel, Circa 1875

This antique locket pendant came to us from London and is a typical piece of jewellery from the Victorian era. The surface of the oval pendant is enameled in high-gloss black. In the center, a star made of gold and fine natural pearls creates a shimmering accent. The gold and light-coloured pearls stand out wonderfully against the dark background with their velvety-soft luster and shine like a glimmer of hope in the dark night. With its simple design and black colour, the locket is typical mourning jewellery, which was particularly widespread in the second half of the 19th century. In earlier times, pearls were regarded as symbols of mourning; they were seen as frozen tears, but also as signs of everlasting love. In this spirit, the pendant can be opened, and two glazed frames inside it allow mementos of a loved one to be kept safe. The locket is beautifully preserved. Today, detached from convention and regulations, the pendant can also be used as a decorative accessory without sadness. For the dating, see Brigitte Marquardt: Schm Schmuck. Realism and Historicism (1850-1895), Munich/Berlin 1998, p. 231ff, with corresponding lockets of the period.

Estimate:£2,244.35

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