Victorian Rays - Victorian 9K Rose Gold Star Set Paste Locket & Chain (VICP103)

Victorian Rays - Victorian 9K Rose Gold Star Set Paste Locket & Chain. This exquisite locket is crafted from 9K gold, hallmarked 9ct, and a BACK & FRONT stamp on the back of the locket. Featuring one blue paste gemstone, 6 clear paste gemstones, Victorian era styling, and quality craftsmanship. This gorgeous locket exhibits a beautiful rose gold color, with a polished finish, and a star-set jeweled centre. The back of the locket is polished, and the bail looks to be original to the piece. The locket opens and closes well, and has its original frames and sapphire blue velvet liners. The chain is a 14K gold filled belcher style chain, which matches up to the locket perfectly. This Victorian era necklace would make an amazing gift for that special someone or a wonderful addition to any fine jewelry collection.

History: Paste jewellery is a special type of flint glass that emulates a number of gemstones. The origins of Paste jewellery date back to the mid-18^th century, to a jeweller named Georges Frederic Stras, who worked as a jeweller to the king when he moved from Strasbourg to Paris in 1724.

Gold was generally used for a couple thousand years solely to create things such as jewelry and idols for worship. This was until around 1500 BC when the ancient empire of Egypt, which benefited greatly from its gold-bearing region, Nubia, made gold the first official medium of exchange for international trade.

Rose gold was first used in early 19th century Russia by the famed jeweler Carl Faberge in his famous Faberge Eggs, as was known as Russian Gold. Rose gold later gained popularity in the United States during the lavish and feminine 1920's, and was worn in engagement rings and fine jewelry.

In the Middle Ages lockets were worn by men and women. European designs for lockets appear to date back to the 16^th century when small pendants were worn to conceal good luck charms, in order to protect against evil spirits and sometimes to protect against illness.

In the history of the United Kingdom and the British Empire, the Victorian era was the period of Queen Victoria's reign, from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. 

Measurements: Locket 33.00 mm x 21.00 mm    Chain 18" 

Stone Size: Locket (Paste) 2.00 mm      Slide (Paste) 2.00 mm   Pearl 1.00 mm 

Weight: 6.90 grams 

Condition: Excellent  Note: Minor age related wear to the back of the locket. Completely acceptable considering the age. 

Origin: England 

Date: Circa 1890