SALE Stunning Victorian 9K Ruby&Seed Pearl Locket Pendant/Pin

Jewelry : Antique : Fine : Victorian

 

This stunning 9K Victorian locket pin has the most wonderful cover: six natural rubies and 12 delicate seed pearls are beautifully set in a delicate floral motif with exquisite hand-engraving.

The design is delicate and graceful, feminine and airy. With wonderful swirls and precise engraving, the maker has managed to create the illusion of movement .

He's done it by placing the lovely seed pearl-studded leaves, which resemble arrows, in a circular pattern, which creates a continuous line of movement. Very wonderful, indeed!

In the centre are six genuine, natural rubies, representing the flowers.

The stones are a lovely shade of dark pink, and they twinkle like the stars. The rubies vary a bit in size and colour, but all in all, they are a very close match.

The gemstones are all beautifully faceted and prong-set on the gold lid.

Framing this little work of art is an ornate hand-chased frame. The amazing work on the outer edge can be seen from the back as well. Please see the enlarged photos for a full appreciation of its beauty!

On the back of the locket is a pin and an old "C" type catch, and higher up is another clasp that holds the safety chain and smaller pin intact.

I haven't attempted to open the locket, for fear of damaging it. I have no idea what is inside--it could contain old photos, a lock of hair--or perhaps it is empty.

If you would like to open it, my suggestion is to take it to your jeweller just to be on the safe side. These old pins tend to get a bit sticky over time, and one wouldn't want to bend or damage any part of it.

The pin measures just over 1&1/4" and weighs a healthy 9.9 grams. The back is marked "9CT BACK & FRONT" inside a shield.

There is very, very minimal wear, which is quite amazing for a piece this old. The only thing to note is one seed pearl is missing (easy to replace), and the pin at the back is ever-so-slightly bent.

A lovely piece of history!

Item ID: 818