Vintage Keepsake - Vintage Birks Sterling Silver Engraved Locket & Chain (VP204)

Vintage Keepsake - Vintage Birks Sterling Silver Engraved Locket & Chain. This wonderful locket is crafted from sterling silver, hallmarked STERLING and a makers mark B for Birks. The chain is crafted from 925 sterling silver, and marked ITALY. Featuring vintage styling, exquisite engraving, full hallmarks , and high quality craftsmanship. The lovely locket is oval in shape, and exhibits a pretty scroll pattern, with an engraved border. The oval locket is crowned with a simple bale,, which is a perfect size for the locket, and to thread a substantial chain through. The back of the locket is plain and polished, and has its full hallmarks. The inside of the locket has its original silver frames, ready to be fitted with photos. The locket opens and closes well, and is in perfect working order, with an ideal snap sound when it is closed. The chain is a pretty figaro design, which features a secure spring ring clasp. The entire piece has a perfect warm patina. The beautiful locket looks stunning when worn, truly a perfect gift for that someone special or wonderful addition to your own jewelry collection. 

Note: High quality locket, in excellent condition. 

History: The story of Bijoux Birks began four centuries ago, when the Birks family were master silversmiths in Sheffield, England. Though the brand’s roots lie deep in English craftsmanship, it truly came to life when Henry Birks opened a boutique in the heart of Montreal in 1879. His lifelong dream became a reality and grew into a magnificent fine jewellery legacy that is still thriving today. Inspired by a land with astounding natural beauty and unique joie de vivre, Birks became a treasured part of Canadian heritage. With incomparable quality and fine craftsmanship, Birks acquired a lasting place in the hearts of Canadians and is now an iconic Canadian brand that is cherished and distributed internationally. Birks is known to be the number 1 fine jewelry store in Canada. 

After the Company’s foundation by Henry Birks in Montreal in 1879, the next 125 years saw Birks grow from a small storefront to an iconic heritage brand, representing a legacy of Canadian luxury. Birks was purveyor to Kings and Queens, and designed jewellery for the likes of Princess Grace of Monaco and Princess Margaret. But that was only the beginning. 

Silver was first found in large amounts around 5000 BC, when prehistoric people dug the first copper mines. ... Large-scale silver mining had developed in Anatolia by 3000 BC. This was to meet the demand from the first ancient city states, which used the metal as a common medium of exchange.

The sterling alloy originated in continental Europe and was being used for commerce as early as the 12th century in the area that is now northern Germany. A piece of sterling silver dating from Henry II's reign was used as a standard in the Trial of the Pyx until it was deposited at the Royal Mint in 1843.

Measurements: Locket 30.50 mm x 20.00 mm    Chain: 20"

Weight: 10.00 grams

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: England: For Birks   Chain: Italy    Provenance: Canada 

Date: Circa 1960