An exceptional large Victorian mourning locket dating to c.1860, crafted in 9ct gold and weighing a substantial 18.4 grams. The front centres on black enamel with an unfurling gold ribbon reading “IN MEMORY OF”, surrounded by an ornate engraved gold border with small white enamel accents. The scale, weight and quality of workmanship make this a particularly impressive example of mid-Victorian mourning jewellery.
The reverse is equally accomplished, extensively hand engraved with dense scrolling decoration arranged around a vacant central cartouche. Fine floral details, textured engraving and a decorative outer border cover almost the entire surface. Mourning lockets such as this were deeply personal jewels, made to preserve a photograph, hair or other remembrance of someone lost, with the “In Memory Of” inscription leaving no ambiguity as to its original purpose.
Presented in exceptional antique condition, particularly considering its age of more than 160 years. The engraving remains remarkably crisp, the black enamel retains a strong polished surface and the applied lettering and enamel details are well preserved. A substantial and increasingly scarce example of Victorian mourning jewellery.
Original glass present.
Era:
Victorian, c.1860
Hallmarks:
Unmarked, tests as 9ct gold.
Dimensions:
Height 42mm
Width 31mm
Jump ring 4.5mm
