Large Antique Victorian Locket Watch Chain Necklace c1880s Egyptian Revival Pendant on Gilt Steel Chain

This is a beautiful 1870s Victorian locket decorated with an etched Egyptian Revival papyrus motif on one side, and a blank engravable cartouche surrounded by a delicate tracery of flowers on the front. The locket has an etched silver back and front over an alloy core (for strength) and its faces are accented with yellow gold plate over the silver (a band of silver can be seen along the edges, giving the locket a smart polished look).

The locket comes with a gold filled ring and is attached to a strong, substantial Victorian watch chain made of gilded steel - its bright high carat gilding remarkably well preserved. The chain, which measures a generous 25 inches in length and fastens with an Albert fob (dog clip) clasp, complements the locket beautifully, creating a showstopping, one of a kind necklace. HOWEVER, IF YOU WOULD PREFER TO PURCHASE EITHER THE LOCKET OR CHAIN SEPARATELY, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH - WE WOULD BE HAPPY TO ARRANGE THIS.

The locket measures a substantial 1.1 x 1 inches (3 x 2.5cm), with a depth of around 6mm, allowing it to store a small keepsake, such as a lock of hair, or two photos. This type of locket has over-hanging rims designed to secure the photos in place without the use of detachable bezels and protective glass, but we will provide flexible acrylic covers that will fit under the rims and secure keepsakes in place. The locket's interior is brightly gilded and lined in emerald green flock paper. The hinge is in excellent condition, and the locket closes securely.

Egyptian antiquity began casting a spell over the worlds of design and jewellery at the beginning of the 19th century, after Napoleon's Egypt campaign, during which the Rosetta stone was discovered, and the discipline of Egyptology emerged. Egyptian revival jewellery became popular from the mid 1800s, inspired by the discovery of Queen Ah-Hopte's jewels (1859), and opening of the Suez Canal. This fascination with Egyptian jewels flourished during the 1860s and 70s - when this locket was made- continually reinforced by increased travel to the region - Egypt was one of the destinations of the aristocratic 'Grand Tour' - and the display of Egyptian-inspired decorative arts at the 1867 Paris Exhibition.

FREE GIFT WRAPPING
Our items come gift boxed. Please message if you would like us to include a card.

SHIPPING is tracked and expedited. Estimated delivery times are: overnight in the UK and 7 working days worldwide (7-10 for Australia, New Zealand and Japan).
PLEASE PROVIDE A TELEPHONE NUMBER (required so the couriers can send you tracking updates). We are happy to arrange for 2-3 day DHL Express shipping if needed - please message if you would like this.

RETURNS & REFUNDS: We have a no quibble return policy, and happily accept returns. If it's not right for you, just send us a Ruby Lane message within 14 days of receipt, and return the item within 30 days for a full refund of your original payment.

We refund all items lost in the post. We ask that you please allow 4-5 weeks to ensure the item is really lost rather than just delayed - after which we will refund your full original payment.

Many thanks! Alice xx