Antique Victorian 18ct Yellow Gold Enamel And Pearl Starburst Locket Circa 1880
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Please note boxes and chains are for display only unless otherwise stated
DESCRIPTION (Please scroll to the bottom to view video)
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.
PURCHASE SUMMARY
Laybys available on all items $400 and over. Contact us for more details.
All our items are antique or vintage unless otherwise stated. Condition will be described, it is the responsibility of the buyer to read descriptions and view photos. Please refer to our guide Caring For Antique & Vintage Jewellery for more details.
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