Antique Victorian 18ct Yellow Gold Enamel And Pearl Starburst Locket Circa 1880
Superb Victorian locket dating to the late Victorian era circa 1880.
Crafted from 18ct gold which has been ‘bloomed’ (see below) to give an even higher carat finish as was typical of the Victorian era.
To the front is a glorious double star motif.. embossed into the gold is an eight pointed Star - (a symbol of life, fertility and protection against evil) - and atop is another raised Star in blue enamel and encrusted with half Pearls
The rear panel is beautifully engraved with scripted initials we believe to be ‘MAR’.
Inside the two original rims are present however over the years the glass panels have been lost and have been replaced with plastic/perspex.
Large and impressive the locket itself measures 3.6cm x 3.0cm and with the bale a stunning drop of 5.0cm.
The bale is large and wide enough to accommodate many gauged chains.
History of Blooming
Blooming, a popular finishing technique for karat gold jewellery from 1870 to 1890, was first documented in 1853. The means for creating a bloom finish involved dipping a gold item into a boiling mixture of hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid), saltpeter (potassium nitrate), salt and water. This process burned off any alloys on the surface resulting in an alloy-free, thin layer of soft, pure gold on the item.
STONES
Split Pearl - Possible natural given the age
MEASUREMENTS
5.0cm 3.0cm - With bale
WEIGHT
14.38 Grams
MARKS
None
Tested via XRF as 18ct gold
CONDITION
Very very good antique condition. All Pearls are in lovely condition. Blooming is is very good condition with minor miniscule seen under magnification only. Bight and rich in colour. Enamel is in very good condition with minor marks again seen only under magnification. Two inner rims are present, original glass panels are not. Stunning Victorian locket.
Laybys & Hold Policy
Do you have your eye on a fabulous piece but need some extra time to
pay? At Graisons, we offer suitable layby terms for pieces priced $400 AUD and above. Contact us for more details.
Purchase Guide & Refund Policy
For information regarding our Purchase Guide & Returns Policy, please click here
Shipping & Delivery
Free Complimentary Express Shipping: Australia & Select International Countries.
We are pleased to offer free complimentary express postage, fully insured with tracking and signature on delivery using Australia Post.
For all international purchases, a third party postal company will complete the final stage of delivery.
Orders are dispatched within one-two business days of purchase. Once complete, a tracking number will be forwarded to you via email notification.
We are currently shipping to the following international countries:
UK, USA, CANADA, SINGAPORE, NEW ZEALAND, HONG KONG.
PLEASE NOTE: Any duties imposed by countries for importing our items are the buyers responsibility. Please contact your local customs agency if you wish to discuss potential rates and fees.
Caring For Antique & Vintage Jewellery
We absolutely pride ourselves on sourcing the best quality pieces for our customers, with many of our items valued by our registered jeweller/gemologist.
Our collection consists of pieces that are of antique and vintage condition, which means that all our items are secondhand and used. Customers are not purchasing 'new', 'perfect' and 'unworn items', and as such, should expect wear and imperfection. Any condition issues are always extensively mentioned in the condition summary.
Please do not hesitate to ask questions prior to purchase. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to ensure that these descriptions and pictures are carefully viewed and any questions are asked prior to the transaction taking place.
Please refer to our guide, Caring For Antique & Vintage Jewellery for more details.
Your Purchase: What Is Included?
Your purchase will be lovingly packaged in our custom made, eco-friendly Graisons Fine Jewellery Jewel box tied with ribbon inside our custom made packaging/mailing box.
For added safety and security, all purchases are shipped inside an Australia Post medium sized mailing box.
If your item includes an independent valuation, the physical certificate will be included.
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