An unusually beautiful and rather elusive piece of Victorian sentimental jewellery - a miniature black enamel heart-shaped locket in 9ct gold, centred with an engraved six-pointed gold star, set with a single seed pearl.
Black enamel heart lockets are far less frequently encountered than their plain gold counterparts, and this example is particularly striking in its simplicity. The dark enamel forms a dramatic contrast with the warmth of the gold and the tiny pearl at its centre, creating a jewel that feels at once romantic and sombre.
In Victorian jewellery, black enamel was closely associated with mourning and remembrance, while pearls could symbolise tears, purity and enduring affection. The heart, of course, speaks of love. At the centre of the black enamel heart is a finely engraved six-pointed gold star, set with a single seed pearl. Stars were associated with guidance, hope and constancy in Victorian sentimental jewellery, and here the symbolism is especially affecting: a small point of light against the darkness, perhaps representing a love that endures beyond death. Together, these elements suggest a deeply sentimental object, perhaps intended as a private token of devotion or remembrance.
The locket opens to reveal two tiny heart-shaped compartments, once intended to preserve photographs, a lock of hair or another intimate keepsake. Its diminutive proportions make the richness of the design all the more remarkable.
A wonderfully evocative little jewel, with all the melancholy romance of Victorian mourning jewellery.
Supplied on a fine 14ct gold-filled chain.
Date: Late Victorian, circa 1870-1900
Materials: Gold testing as 9ct, black enamel and seed pearl
Dimensions: Approximately 2 × 1.4 cm
Weight: 2.2g (locket only)
Chain: 14ct gold-filled, 45cm included
Condition: Antique condition, with moderate wear and scratches to the gold and enamel, consistent with its age and use. The pearl remains secure, and the hinge and clasp are in working order.
An unusually beautiful and rather elusive piece of Victorian sentimental jewellery - a miniature black enamel heart-shaped locket in 9ct gold, centred with an engraved six-pointed gold star, set with a single seed pearl.
Black enamel heart lockets are far less frequently encountered than their plain gold counterparts, and this example is particularly striking in its simplicity. The dark enamel forms a dramatic contrast with the warmth of the gold and the tiny pearl at its centre, creating a jewel that feels at once romantic and sombre.
In Victorian jewellery, black enamel was closely associated with mourning and remembrance, while pearls could symbolise tears, purity and enduring affection. The heart, of course, speaks of love. At the centre of the black enamel heart is a finely engraved six-pointed gold star, set with a single seed pearl. Stars were associated with guidance, hope and constancy in Victorian sentimental jewellery, and here the symbolism is especially affecting: a small point of light against the darkness, perhaps representing a love that endures beyond death. Together, these elements suggest a deeply sentimental object, perhaps intended as a private token of devotion or remembrance.
The locket opens to reveal two tiny heart-shaped compartments, once intended to preserve photographs, a lock of hair or another intimate keepsake. Its diminutive proportions make the richness of the design all the more remarkable.
A wonderfully evocative little jewel, with all the melancholy romance of Victorian mourning jewellery.
Supplied on a fine 14ct gold-filled chain.
Date: Late Victorian, circa 1870-1900
Materials: Gold testing as 9ct, black enamel and seed pearl
Dimensions: Approximately 2 × 1.4 cm
Weight: 2.2g (locket only)
Chain: 14ct gold-filled, 45cm included
Condition: Antique condition, with moderate wear and scratches to the gold and enamel, consistent with its age and use. The pearl remains secure, and the hinge and clasp are in working order.
