There's something so satisfying about a perfectly round piece of jewellery and this antique Edwardian gold orb locket is such a fabulous spherical gem! Not only is it a beautiful piece but it was also designed to be functional.
Dating to 1902, this gold locket is what's known as a pomander, a piece of jewellery that opens to add something perfumed or sweet herbs so that you have something nice to smell with you at all times. During the Victorian era, the theory that bad smells caused illness and often death (Miasma) was strongly believed by many and so carrying a pomander was essential if you needed to try avoid smelling something foul!
This locket dates to just after the end of the Victorian era, at a time when the Miasma theory was being disproved by scientists. People were starting to realise that illnesses are in fact caused by germs and not bad smells but we like to think the locket was created as a piece that was worn to still carry a sweet smell with you wherever you went!
The pomander/locket is made of 9ct gold and has tiny little holes to both sides of the orb so that any sweet smelling contents placed inside are able to waft through each side. The pomander has British hallmarks for the maker 'H M' (We believe this is the maker's mark for Henry Matthews, registered in 1893), 9ct gold, Birmingham and the date letter 'C' for 1902. The jump ring is also hallmarked for 9ct gold.
The pomander is hinged at the top and simply pulls open and pushes closed. It measures approx 14.5mm in diameter (approx 18.9mm tall including the fitting at the top but not the jump ring) and weighs approx 2.4g in total.
Condition - The pomander is in good wearable antique condition but as it is over 120 years old, it does show signs of age and wear. There is surface wear to the gold throughout, including two dings to each half of the pomander. The hinge mechanism still works well, the charm pushes (but does not click) closed. The jump ring is currently pushed closed. Please see photos.
*Please note the chain and box pictured are not included in the sale but the charm will be shipped in a new presentation box and pouch.*
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Antique 1902 9ct gold ball/orb pomander opening locket charm/pendant
All items are carefully wrapped and packaged in a gift pouch and box. In the UK, we always post items via Royal Mail's Special Delivery service which is fully tracked and insured. For international items, orders up to £300 are sent via Royal Mail's international tracked (and signed for where applicable) service and orders over £300 are sent via DHL Express.