Antique Victorian 9ct Yellow Gold Light Blue Enamel Ornate Engraved Locket

A beautiful antique Victorian gold locket, richly decorated with hand engraved detail across both sides. The front is centred by a delicate pale blue enamel motif surrounded by flowing scrollwork and foliage, creating a lovely contrast against the warm gold. Though some of the enamel has worn gently with age, enough remains to highlight the original design. Surrounding the enamel detail, the surface is filled with finely engraved leaves, flourishes, and curling botanical forms, each cut by hand and catching the light beautifully as the piece moves.

The reverse is equally impressive, featuring a large hand engraved flower emerging from a field of scrolling leaves and ornamental foliage. The engraving across both sides remains wonderfully crisp, showcasing the remarkable skill of the Victorian engraver and the attention to detail that defined jewellery of the period. Every surface has been carefully decorated, giving the locket a richness and depth that draws you back for a closer look each time it is handled.

This locket can be worn and enjoyed either way around, allowing the wearer to display either the enamelled front or the floral reverse. Both sides have been given equal attention by the engraver, making it as beautiful from the back as it is from the front.

Lockets were among the most treasured pieces of Victorian jewellery, worn close to the heart and often used to hold photographs or keepsakes of loved ones. This particular locker has been beautifully crafted and has a particularly opulent feel A wonderful Victorian locket with genuine presence and character, ready to be worn and cherished once again, ideal as a personal treat. 

Inside the locket there is space to put 2 photos inside. One original frame, glass, and original silk interior remain inside - in remarkable condition. Whilst the other side has no glass, it does still hold an imagine without issue by placing it under the metal lip (as demonstrated by the blue floral paper currently inside). The frame can be gently removed and a small photos can still be added if desired, the frame is a secure fit and is fiddly to remove - but on request we have remove it prior to sending the item to you if this would be helpful. The locket closes securely with a click.

Unmarked - tested and verified as 9ct Back and Front. 9ct Gold Back and Front lockets were typical of gold lockets from this era. In the late Victorian and Edwardian period, lockets were manufactured with solid gold fronts and solid gold backs – to clarify, the metal at the front is a sheet of solid gold and the metal at the back is also a sheet of solid gold. Using this method allowed heavy engraving which would not be possible on rolled gold or gold plating. The sides, hinges and the loose frames inside are usually made of a sturdy base metal that has been gold plated. The reasoning behind such construction is that gold is a soft metal and lockets by default are opened and closed regularly. Using a sturdier metal than gold meant that they were less likely to buckle or break. These lockets are 90 – 95% solid gold and in the parts that are not they are gold plated and the plating is generally of such a good thickness that it still stands 100 years later.

The locket measures 2.4 cms tall without the bails, 3.2 cms with the bail loops. 2 cms wide. The locket alone weighs 6.3 grams.
Made circa 1880, late Victorian era.

In good antique condition, with some light surface wear and tarnish in places. As mentioned above, it has lost some of the original enamel detail. The hinge shows evidence of a previous solder repair, this has been checked by our goldsmith and the hinge works perfectly fine. This locket has been professionally (sympathetically) cleaned and polished, it's ready to wear or to give as a gift but does still have traces of original tarnish. Please see the photos. Please forgive the reflections on the photos, this locket is very shiny and reflective.

This item, along with the others in our Dear Rose, With Love shop, has been hand selected by us, for you. We sell only estate, vintage, and antique items - which means we only ever have one of each piece. The pieces of jewellery offered by us are old treasures, and we rarely find two identical. Once each piece has gone, it's truly gone, and you will likely never find another!

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EXTRA INFORMATION

* All gemstones have been tested and verified using a Presidium Gemstone Tester. All measurements and carat weights given are approximations.

* Our photographs have been taken with a magnified macro lens to show you every tiny detail. This often means that any flaws or damage which you can see on the item in the photos, will not appear as visible in person when viewed normally with the eye. This can also mean that the item can appear larger on the screen than it is in person, so please be sure to read our written description to clarify all sizes and dimensions.

* All of the boxes shown in our photos are for display only, and are not included in the sale. However, please rest assured that we do package your item lovingly, with new attractive packaging. All rings priced over £50 do come with a complimentary ring box (which differs from the one pictured). Your jewellery will always be sent well wrapped, secure and protected from damage

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RING SIZING

We offer in-house ring re-sizing. Please contact us if the ring you like is not in your size, we will advise on if it can be sized and will give you a no obligation quote. Some styles (such as full eternity bands) cannot be sized at all, and some rings may only be sized within reason. We are always happy to give honest advice and guidance.

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SHIPPING:

We provide free basic shipping with all orders, worldwide.

UK Orders:
Items under £200 are posted via Royal Mail Tracked 48 
Items over £200 are posted via Royal Mail Special Delivery

International orders:
Items under £200 are shipped via Royal Mail International Standard (no tracking, but tracking can be added for a £5 upgrade at checkout if needed)
Items over £200 are shipped via Royal Mail Tracked

Delivery time will vary dependant on your location and the estimations given by Etsy are a rough guide but not guaranteed. 

Please note that we do not provide parcel contents insurance with our free standard shipping. Etsy Buyer Protection offers insurance for all parcels upto the value of £200/$250, this is free and included as standard with all Etsy orders. 
If you would like to purchase insurance for higher value orders, or if you would like expedited shipping - please message us for a quote, as we happily provide quotes for UPS and DHL delivery on request.
In the event that a parcel goes missing in the post, we cannot be held liable or claim for compensation unless insurance has been chosen.

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RETURNS POLICY:

• We must be informed of the intent to return within 3 days of the item arriving, the item must be shipped back within 7 days of it arriving
• Returned items must be in original unaltered condition, must have all original packaging, and be sent back with full insurance. If returned with inadequate or missing packaging, additional charges will occur.
• Original shipping costs are non-refundable (postage costs will be deducted from the refund of any free delivery orders)
• For returns outside of the UK, a 10% restocking fee is charged.
• In instances where a client declines to pay an import charge, the restocking fee is 20%

NON-RETURNABLE ITEMS:
Pierced earrings cannot be returned under UK hygeine legislation.
Customised items (including resized rings)
Sale/clearance items, are considered a final sale and non-returnable.

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At Dear Rose, With Love we pride ourselves in offering beautiful jewellery from all eras and for all occasions.
We stock original Georgian Jewellery | Victorian Jewellery |  Edwardian Jewellery | Art Nouveau Jewellery | Art Deco Jewellery | Mid-Century Jewellery | Vintage Jewellery | Estate Jewellery | Vintage Gold Jewellery | Antique Gold Jewellery | Vintage Rings | Antique Rings | Antique Lockets | Vintage Lockets | Vintage Earrings | Antique Earrings | Vintage Necklaces | Antique Necklaces | Antique Pendants | Vintage Pendants | Vintage Brooches | Antique Brooches
The styles of jewellery that we sell are perfect for special occasions, and are equally lovely as a treat for yourself. Antique and Vintage jewellery can be a meaningful and personal gift idea for many celebrations;
Birthday gift for her | Anniversary gift for her | Mothers day gift idea | Birthstone jewellery | Valentines Day gift idea | Vintage Promise Rings | Vintage Wedding Rings | Vintage Engagement Rings | Vintage Bridal Jewellery | Vintage Easter Jewellery | Vintage Fashion | Vintage Jewelry Shop | Vintage Accessories | Best Friend Gift Idea | Girlfriend Gift Idea | Vintage Gift Idea/ Cyber Monday / Black Friday / Small Business Saturday / Festive / Christmas Gift Idea / Christmas Jewelry / Christmas Jewellery / Vintage Christmas / Holiday Shopping / Gold Christmas / Secret Santa / Traditional Christmas / Sustainable Christmas / Christmas Sparkle / Thanksgiving / New Year's Eve / Cocktail Party / NYE / Metallic / Gifts for Her / Gifts for Mum / Gifts for Momstmas / Christmas Sparkle / Thanksgiving / New Year's Eve / Cocktail Party / NYE / Metallic / Gifts for Her / Gifts for Mum / Gifts for Mom