A finely crafted French niello locket dating to around 1860, made in silver and decorated with an intricate repeating geometric pattern across the front. The deep black niello contrasts sharply against the polished silver, creating the distinctive monochrome appearance associated with nineteenth-century French niello jewellery.
The geometric design was created by engraving the silver before filling the recessed decoration with niello, requiring considerable precision to achieve its crisp repeating pattern. Originally designed to hold a treasured photograph or personal memento, the locket combines its sentimental purpose with the specialist metalwork for which French niello jewellery of the period is particularly recognised.
Presented in excellent antique condition inner glass remains, with the niello decoration remaining crisp and well preserved and only light age-related wear consistent with careful ownership. The locket bears the French boar's head guarantee mark, indicating silver of at least 800/1000 fineness.
Era: French, c.1860
Hallmarks:
French boar's head guarantee mark, indicating a minimum silver fineness of 800/1000
Dimensions:
Height 22mm
Width 12.5mm
Jump ring 4mm
