Large Antique Victorian Locket Venus & Cupid 1870s Grand Tour Valentine Love Token Picture Keepsake Pendant Necklace

This exquisite Mid-Victorian Renaissance Revival locket (literally as large as the proverbial pigeon's egg) would have been all the rage in the early 1870s, worn on a wide velvet ribbon tied with a large bow, its long ends hanging elegantly down the wearer's graceful back. Let us know if you would prefer this instead of the chain included- we have some vintage 1950s French black velvet ribbon that would look stunning with it.

Crafted from golden Pinchbeck (a tarnish proof alloy whose formula has now been lost), the locket showcases a high relief silvered image of dancing Venus and Cupid, with intricate drapery swirling around to create a graceful dynamic effect. Venus is holding a cup symbolizing her seductive powers whilst Cupid waves his thyrsus wand, bringer of prosperity, fertility and hedonist pleasure.

The casing has a substantial, solid feel and is free of the dents one usually finds in lockets of this age. It has stood the test of time practically unscathed, bearing witness to its quality and durability. The locket measures 1.6 x 1.25 inches not including the bale, and is 2.1" (5.4 cm) high including the bale. At the centre, it is half an inch deep. The roomy interior measures 1.5 x 1.1 inches and is about 4-6 mm deep (2-3 mm deep on each side). It comes complete with the original picture bezels, which can secure a photo on each side. We have added protective flexible acrylic covers which can be used to secure a lock of hair or other small keepsake.

In our collection, we have two lockets bearing this particular Venus and Cupid tableau (see the Love Reliquary locket, also in our shop) - the only lockets of this kind we have ever found. We believe they were made in Italy for young aristocrats wishing to bring a souvenir to a lover from their Grand Tour travels. A fine locket, steeped in European history and the ancient symbolism of love!

LAYAWAY PLAN AVAILABLE: happy to split payments into up to three installments.

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