A substantial and finely detailed Victorian pinchbeck buckle locket, dating to the mid-19th century, offered complete with a 45cm, 14ct gold-filled chain and an antique length of black lace.
Measuring a substantial 5.5 × 3.5 cm including the bale, the locket is modelled with a raised buckle motif and engraved with finely worked wheat sheaves. The buckle is accented with a row of seed pearls and a band of blue enamel, creating a striking contrast against the warm, mellow tone of the pinchbeck.
Symbolism
In Victorian jewellery, the buckle was a powerful and widely understood symbol of fidelity, strength, and enduring attachment, representing bonds that are securely fastened and intended to last. Buckle motifs were frequently chosen for love tokens and sentimental jewellery, expressing commitment rather than mourning.
The engraved wheat reinforces this message, symbolising continuity, abundance, and the cycles of life, while seed pearls were traditionally associated with purity and sincerity, and commonly used in deeply personal pieces. The addition of blue enamel adds a further layer of meaning, as blue was closely associated with faithfulness, truth, and constancy.
Taken together, these motifs suggest a piece created to express lasting devotion, designed to be worn close to the heart.
The locket opens to reveal space for personal mementoes, as originally intended, and retains its original character and proportions. I have included two pressed pansies.
Details
Period: Victorian, circa 1870
Dimensions: 5.5 × 3.5 cm (including bale)
Chain: 14ct gold-filled chain (included)
Additional: Antique black lace (included)
Optional: Length of black velvet instead of lace (please email if required)
Condition: Very good antique condition, with gentle wear consistent with age. Original glass intact and hinge and clasp function extremely well. Please examine the pictures as they form part of the description.
A particularly expressive example of Victorian symbolic jewellery, notable for its generous scale, clear iconography, and complete presentation.
A substantial and finely detailed Victorian pinchbeck buckle locket, dating to the mid-19th century, offered complete with a 45cm, 14ct gold-filled chain and an antique length of black lace.
Measuring a substantial 5.5 × 3.5 cm including the bale, the locket is modelled with a raised buckle motif and engraved with finely worked wheat sheaves. The buckle is accented with a row of seed pearls and a band of blue enamel, creating a striking contrast against the warm, mellow tone of the pinchbeck.
Symbolism
In Victorian jewellery, the buckle was a powerful and widely understood symbol of fidelity, strength, and enduring attachment, representing bonds that are securely fastened and intended to last. Buckle motifs were frequently chosen for love tokens and sentimental jewellery, expressing commitment rather than mourning.
The engraved wheat reinforces this message, symbolising continuity, abundance, and the cycles of life, while seed pearls were traditionally associated with purity and sincerity, and commonly used in deeply personal pieces. The addition of blue enamel adds a further layer of meaning, as blue was closely associated with faithfulness, truth, and constancy.
Taken together, these motifs suggest a piece created to express lasting devotion, designed to be worn close to the heart.
The locket opens to reveal space for personal mementoes, as originally intended, and retains its original character and proportions. I have included two pressed pansies.
Details
Period: Victorian, circa 1870
Dimensions: 5.5 × 3.5 cm (including bale)
Chain: 14ct gold-filled chain (included)
Additional: Antique black lace (included)
Optional: Length of black velvet instead of lace (please email if required)
Condition: Very good antique condition, with gentle wear consistent with age. Original glass intact and hinge and clasp function extremely well. Please examine the pictures as they form part of the description.
A particularly expressive example of Victorian symbolic jewellery, notable for its generous scale, clear iconography, and complete presentation.
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