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Antique Victorian Mourning Locket with Woven Hair, 19th Century

$1,677.40
£1,248.72
€1,400
CA$2,297.62
A$2,555.46
CHF 1,334.38
MX$31,097.17
NOK 17,042.06
SEK 15,982.44
DKK 10,657.71
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About the Item

This exquisite antique Victorian mourning locket, crafted in 14 karat gold, is a beautifully preserved example of 19th-century sentimental jewelry. Designed to hold a keepsake of a loved one, it features an intricately braided lock of hair encased beneath a glass panel on one side, while the exterior is adorned with a finely engraved floral motif, reflecting the detailed craftsmanship characteristic of the Victorian era. The front of the locket showcases a delicate hand-engraved floral design, surrounded by a scalloped border with decorative guilloché-style etching, adding depth and texture to the piece. The locket opens to reveal a woven section of preserved hair, a common practice in Victorian mourning jewelry, symbolizing remembrance and devotion to a deceased loved one. The gold-plated casing has been carefully crafted, with a small, sturdy bail at the top, allowing it to be worn as a pendant on a chain or chatelaine. During the Victorian era (1837-1901), mourning jewelry was a significant part of grieving customs, inspired by Queen Victoria’s long mourning period after Prince Albert’s death. These sentimental pieces often included woven hair of the deceased, serving as a tangible connection to lost loved ones. The floral engraving on the front may symbolize eternal love, remembrance, and the beauty of life, which was a common theme in mourning jewelry. This piece dates to the mid-to-late 19th century, likely between 1850-1880, when hair jewelry and mourning lockets were at the height of popularity in England and Europe. The construction and delicate engraving techniques suggest it was made by a skilled Victorian-era jeweler, likely for someone of middle or upper-class status, as mourning jewelry was widely worn in society during this time.
  • Metal:
  • Weight:
    3.9 g
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 1.19 in (30 mm)Width: 0.79 in (20 mm)
  • Style:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Circa 1850-1880
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Rotterdam, NL
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1630225538412

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