Sentiment & Sparkle - Vintage Sterling Silver Natural Diamond 'Forget-Me-Knot' Chased Heart Locket Pendant & Chain (VP296)

Sentiment & Sparkle - Vintage Sterling Silver Natural Diamond 'Forget-Me-Knot' Chased Heart Locket Pendant & Chain. This pretty locket is crafted from sterling silver, hallmarked 925 STERLING for sterling. The chain is hallmarked 925, for sterling silver, and Italy. The locket features chasing, vintage era styling, and quality craftsmanship. The front of this locket is designed with Forget-Me-Knot flowers, and scrolls, which showcase a sparkling diamond, and deeply carved chase-work. The back of the locket displays a high polish, and hallmarks. The locket is in original condition, and still has its frame inserts and covers. which holds an unusual 4 photos in place. The bale is an 'O' ring style, which is substantial enough to carry the weight of the locket. The locket opens well, and closed tightly, with a nice 'click' sound once closed shut.  The chain is a sturdy box chain, which matches the locket perfectly, and features a secure spring-ring clasp, which is in perfect working order. This vintage era locket would make the most perfect gift for that special someone, or a wonderful gift for yourself. 

History: The earliest diamonds were found in India in 4th century BC, although the youngest of these deposits were formed 900 million years ago. A majority of these early stones were transported along the network of trade routes that connected India and China, commonly known as the Silk Road.

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.

The tradition of wearing a locket has spanned thousands of years and can be traced back as far back as the 16th Century, during which time they were worn by both men and women. Lockets containing a portrait of the of-the-time monarch were frequently worn by those with particularly patriotic tendencies.

Chasing is a traditional jewelry-making used to decorate the front surface of metal by hammering it with specialized punches to create low-relief designs, textures, or outlines. Often paired with repoussé (working from the back), chasing creates detailed, tactile, and, three-dimensional designs without cutting or removing any metal. 

Measurements: Locket (Including the bale) 26.00 mm x 20.00 mm      Chain 20" 

Weight: 12.30 grams 

Condition: Very Good      Note: Faint age related scratches to the back of the locket, which does not take away from the beauty of the pendant what-so-ever. 

Origin: Pendant: Canada    Chain: Italy 

Date: Circa 1960