Antique Victorian Large Oval 18ct Gold Forget Me Not Rose Cut Diamond Locket Pendant

Antique Victorian Large Oval 18ct Gold Forget Me Not Rose Cut Diamond Locket Pendant

A large and impressive oval Victorian 18ct yellow gold Forget Me Not rose cut diamond locket pendant that was made circa 1870. The central oval depicts a hand-engraved pansy the petals of which are set with rose-cut diamonds. The use of the Forget Me Not and pansy are common in mourning jewellery of the 18th and 19th century and means “Think of me” from the French “Pensee a moi”.

The locket opens to reveal a beautifully painted watercolour on ivory miniature of a gentleman, the deceased husband, brother or son. The opposing locket compartment contains the locket of hair adorned with split pearls to represent tears. So many pieces that we handle contain secret messages, this piece is exceptional. This pendant can be worn on a medium length 18ct gold chain, the chain pictured is also available and complements the locket beautifully.

This locket comes in its original, fitted velvet-covered 'horseshoe' style box.

MEASUREMENT – Locket 40mm L X 33mm W Locket and Bale 58mm L

DIAMOND - Five Rose Cut Diamonds with an estimated total weight of 0.28ct

MATERIALS - 18 carat gold/Diamonds

WEIGHT – 27.3g

HALLMARK – None that can be seen. Tested with a touchstone as 18ct gold

CONDITION – This locket is in very good condition the overall surface is undented. There are superficial scratches to the surface of the locket, but these are commensurate with the antiquity of the piece. The diamonds are original to the piece and securely set. The locket opens and closes well. The box also is in fabulous condition and opens and closes securely.