Recently Sold (VICP095)

Treasured - Victorian Etruscan 14K Gold Natural Persian Turquoise & Seed Pearl Enamel Locket Pendant & Chain.  This stunning locket is crafted from 14K yellow and rose gold (unmarked, but tested and confirmed). The chain is also crafted from 14K yellow gold, hallmarked 14K, and Turkey.  Featuring four natural Persian turquoise gems, five natural English seed pearls, exquisite detail, and quality craftsmanship. This amazing locket showcases a beautiful central medallion of gold-work, which is adorned by Persian blue turquoise, and pearls. The pearls are lustrous, white in color, and display silvery/champagne overtones. The central pearl has a black enamel surround, which adds beauty and contrast to the piece. The front case of the locket has a wonderful high polish. with a perfect aged patina. The majority of the case is a beautiful buttery gold color and the medallion is made of rose gold. There is also a wonderful delicate hand hammered border. which adds character to the piece, without being overdone. The back of the locket has a 14K gold frame, which is set with bevelled glass. The inside of the locket is in great condition, and lined with a pretty floral pattern. This locket is large enough to hold your favorite photograph of that special someone, or a small keepsake.  The bale is solid and substantial, and original to the precious locket. The chain is contemporary, however the style and color of the gold is pure perfection. This Victorian era locket is so special, truly a perfect gift or addition to any fine collection. Don't miss this one, it is extraordinary!

Note: Appraisal included with the locket $3000 (tax excluded)  Contemporary appraisals do not reflect the antique value of the piece. 

Comments: Victorian Etruscan Revival lockets are getting more difficult to find. This piece is in remarkable condition, and beautifully rendered by a very skilled goldsmith. 

History: The earliest evidence of turquoise gemstones comes from ancient Egyptian tombs, which contain elaborate turquoise jewelry dating back to 3000 BCE. Egyptians set turquoise in gold necklaces and rings, used it as inlay, and carved it into scarabs.

Pearls were presented as gifts to Chinese royalty as early as 2300 BC, while in ancient Rome, pearl jewellery was considered the ultimate status symbol. So precious were the spherical gems that in the 1st century BC, Julius Caesar passed a law limiting the wearing of pearls only to the ruling classes.

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 infamous Faberge Eggs, as was known as Russian Gold. Rose gold later gained popularity in the United Stated during the lavish and feminine 1920's, and was worn in engagement rings and fine jewelry.

In the history of the United Kingdom, the Victorian era was the period of Queen Victoria's reign, from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. The era followed the Georgian period and preceded the Edwardian period, and its later half overlaps with the first part of the Belle Époque era of Continental.

Etruscan, member of an ancient people of Etruria, Italy, between the Tiber and Arno rivers west and south of the Apennines, whose urban civilization reached its height in the 6th century bce. Many features of Etruscan culture were adopted by the Romans, their successors to power in the peninsula.

Measurements: Locket 55.00 mm x 26.00 mm    Chain 20" 

Stone Size: Pearl (natural) 1.80 and 3.70 mm     Turquoise 1.90 mm 

Weight: 12.80 grams 

Condition: Very Good  Note: Age related wear, which is normal for these early lockets (a couple of small indentations on the border of the case and a very small gold section is missing on the medallion. The age related wear does not take away from this beautiful locket. Gems have a fresh sheen, no chips or cracks. Enamel (inside the buttercup setting) is intact without or wear. Glass locket panels intact without surface wear. Glass locket panel lifts smoothly and shuts firmly. 

Origin: Locket:  England   Chain: Turkey 

Date: Circa 1860