Hidden Secret - Victorian English Sterling Silver Engraved Repoussé Locket Brooch (VICBR027)

Hidden Secret - Victorian English Sterling Silver Engraved Repoussé Locket Brooch This exquisite locket is crafted from sterling silver, unmarked, however tested. The antique brooch features repoussé detail, engravings, Victorian styling, and quality craftsmanship.  The beautiful locket/brooch is made in the form of a flower. It is a wonderful dimensional piece, consisting of layers of raised petals, and engravings. The central portion showcases beautiful repoussé work which exhibits a delicate floral pattern. The back of the brooch has a hidden secret locket, which can be used for a photo or a small momento. This Victorian era locket Brooch would make a very special gift for that special someone or a wonderful addition to any jewelry collection.

History: The story of silver mining began about 5,000 years ago. Silver was first mined around 3,000 BCE in Anatolia, now located in modern-day Turkey. The precious metal helped early civilizations in the Near East, Ancient Greece to flourish.

The term sterling silver denotes any silver alloy in which pure silver makes up at least 92.5 percent of the content. One theory is that the word sterling comes from the name Easterlings—coiners from east German states brought to England during the reign of Henry II (1154–89) to improve the quality of the coinage.

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. At that time, lockets that functioned as a personal perfume diffuser were also popular.

Repousse is a technique used to create relief on the surface of precious metals for jewelry designs. The technique involves creating a raised or high relief design on the front of a metal object. This is done by hammering the metal, embossing the pattern, and punching the reverse side of the piece to form the design.

In the history of the United Kingdom and the British Empire, the Victorian era was the reign of Queen Victoria, from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. Slightly different definitions are sometimes used. 

Measurements: Brooch 36.50 mm 

Weight: 6.50 grams 

Condition: Good       Note: Some age related wear to the repoussé, which does not effect the beauty or the integrity of the piece. 

Origin: England 

Date: Circa 1890