How sweet is this vintage 900 silver locket!? Decorated with an engraved brick wall pattern to both sides, there's a climbing vine of ivy too, which the Victorians believed symbolised everlasting love and was also sometimes used with the phrase 'I cling to thee'. The front of the locket is engraved with the word 'Souvenir', French for 'remembrance of a memory' so the locekt would likely have been made to hold a memento or keepsake. So romantic!
Without further marks it's hard to date exactly, we don't think it's quite Victorian in age so have listed it as vintage (over 20 years old but under 100 years old). It does appear to be Art Nouveau in style so could possibly be older than vintage but we can't be certain.
The locket is marked '900' for 900 silver, which is 90% silver and 10% alloy. This is a slightly lower grade of silver than 925 sterling silver and seems to be linked with being European, possibly French or German in origin. The jump ring is marked 'Depose' which is in reference to a a design copyright/patent.
Inside the locket has two sections to hold a memento, the left side has a rose gold coloured frame and what looks to be the original pinky red piece of material. The right side has a similar rose coloured frame, another piece of the pinky red material and also a glass window.
The locket measures approx 21.9mm tall (including the ring that the jump ring attaches to but not the jump ring) by approx 19mm wide by aprox 4.7mm deep and weighs approx 3.6g in total.
Condition - The locket is in good vintage condition for its age but does show signs of age and wear including surface wear to the silver. There is a mark above the letter 'R' which could possible be a maker's mark but it's so small it is hard to make out clearly. The hinge mechanism still works well and the locket pushes closed with a light click. There are two small balls on the opening edge to hold to open the locket. The jump ring is currently soldered closed. Please see photos.
*Please note the chain and box pictured are not included in the sale but the locket will be shipped in a new presentation box and pouch.*
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Vintage 900 silver 'Souvenir' ivy decorated round locket pendant
All items are carefully wrapped and packaged in a gift pouch. In the UK, we always post items via Royal Mail's Special Delivery service which is fully tracked and insured. Items sent outside of the UK are sent via Royal Mail's International signed for service, which offers insurance for up to £250 and tracking.