Victorian Gold Locket in the Archaeological Style, c. 1870

The 19th century was characterized by a strong tendency towards sentimentality. Accordingly, the locket became one of the most coveted pieces of jewellery of the Victorian era: hidden from prying eyes, personal mementos could be worn close to the heart. In the years around 1870, the love of lockets had reached its zenith. Lockets of all shapes and sizes were so ubiquitous around this time that the London Society magazine published a humorous cartoon by Alfred Thomas in 1870 with the appropriate title "The Locketomanic". This gold pendant is such a locket from around 1870 and is circular and sculpted. The center is occupied by a cabochon of rock crystal on which a star with a pearl center is set. Movable gold fringes are attached below the wide gold frame. Hidden at the back is a glazed medallion compartment in which a photo or lock of hair can be stored. The design of the locket follows the modern, so-called "archaeological style" around 1870. Jewellery in the, admittedly generously modernized, forms of classical antiquity was a great fashion, parallel to other historical styles. This style was characterized in particular by twisted cords, fringes, attached pendulums and shiny gold beads, which were applied to the oval, domed shapes. We discovered the well-preserved locket in London and added a matching gold chain. It can now be worn around the neck. For pendants and brooches from around 1870, see David Bennet and Daniela Mascetti: Understanding Jewellery, Woodbridge 2010, p. 168f.

Estimate:$2,800.11

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