Antique Victorian Rose Cut Diamond and Gold Locket, c. 1870

Symbolism and sentimentality had a completely different significance in the Victorian era than they do today. Flower bouquets were selected according to the meaning of the flowers, and young women recorded the names of their dance partners at balls in "carnets de bal" in order to remember these dances later. The "sentimental novel", which was intended to rouse strong emotions in the reader, was an important part of the literature of the time. In fact, sentimentality was closely linked to Victorian morality. For women in particular, it was considered virtuous to feel empathy and strong attachments and to show this more or less openly, for example by wearing lockets. This pendant is a silent witness to that time. It is a locket, designed to carry a special memory close to the heart - open and yet protected from prying eyes. There is room inside for a lock of hair, a letter or a photo. The cover of this memento has a precious design: The locket is made of solid gold that has been polished to a shine. A band of ornaments and rose diamonds is laid diagonally across the oval shape to great effect; it is reminiscent of a lace band and is both delicate and dramatic in its effect. The locket is in very good condition. We discovered it in London and it was probably made in England. We show a comparative piece from the catalog of the London jeweller Streeter from 1870 (see last illustration, no. 5).

Estimate:$3,919.12

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