Victorian 9k Gold Locket with Carnelian and Sardonyx Stones - Photos Inside

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Victorian 9k Gold Locket with Carnelian and Sardonyx Stones - Photos Inside :
$298.00

Circa 1870’s – 1890’s, this Victorian era locket was originally worn as a pocket watch fob or as a pendant on a chain. Beautiful pieces of red Carnelian and black Sardonyx are set into both sides of the swivel fob. The rectangular pieces of polished stone both have ribbons of white running through their sides similar to banded agate. The dealer I purchased this from stated that the metalwork is solid gold somewhere around 9k or 10k purity. I have not personally acid tested the piece, but it was purchased from a reputable dealer, and there are several examples online of similar lockets that have been tested to show 9k to 10k gold content. The gold casing features intricately hand engraved / chased designs. A hinge opens the locket to reveal two extremely small photographs, each under tiny pieces of glass. More often than not these lockets are missing the beveled glass, and this is the first time I have ever seen one with the original photographs present as well! The inset photographs are of a man and woman – most likely husband and wife. A gold band of metal wraps around the edge of the beveled glass to seal the photographs. Overall this exquisite piece is in excellent vintage condition with the only damage to report being at the top of the bale where it has seperated - hardly noticable . There is light patina on the gold that could be polished, but I will leave that up to the buyer. The bottom corners of the casing are ben inwards, but this may be part of the design, and if desired they could be easily straightened. The hinge mechanism opens smoothly, and the locket snaps securely shut at the top. The swiveling bale allows for the locket to spin 360° smoothly, and if you wanted to run a small ring and chain through the bale this piece could be worn again as a stunning necklace. These photos within the locket are some of the smallest I have ever seen from this time period, and they look like something that might hang in a Victorian dollhouse :) Both the portraits are crisp but the woman’s is lightly faded. Both pieces of beveled glass are in excellent condition with no chips or scratches.The pieces of polished black Sardonyx and Carnelian stones each measure 5/8” tall x ½” wide x ~ 1/8” thick. Both pieces are lustrous and smooth with absolutely no chips, scratches or damage to report. The locket itself measures 1 ½” tall including the swiveling bale and measures 7/8” wide x ½” thick. This unique piece of jewelry is a fine example of Victorian craftsmanship, and the original photographs & glass make it an ultra rare find.

Thanks for looking, and if you have any questions or would like to see additional pictures of any item, don’t hesitate to contact me. Please look through my photographs carefully read the full description before offerding. I do my best to accurately describe all items and take pride in my customer service. Tracking will be included on domestic orders, and I do offer combined shipping on items.