A sterling silver locket with forget-me-nots and roses chased to the front, the word MIZPAH applied in raised letters across the face. Mizpah — from the Hebrew, meaning watchtower — was one of the most charged sentimental words in the Victorian lexicon. Taken from Genesis 31:49, "The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another," it was given between those who were parting — lovers, friends, family members separated by distance or circumstance.
The forget-me-nots reinforce the message: remember me, do not forget. The roses add a note of love and beauty. Together the three elements — Mizpah, forget-me-nots, roses — make this one of the most emotionally loaded lockets a Victorian jeweller could produce.
The back carries further floral chasing with a blank shield cartouche — unengraved and ready for a monogram should the new owner wish.
No inserts or glass present.
Era: Victorian, c.1890
Hallmarks:
Unmarked, tests as sterling silver.
Dimensions:
Height 41mm
Height including bale 48mm
Width 29mm
