*Victorian 1880 British locket charm with optical rock quartz in 14 kt yellow gold
Optical rock quartz locket from the Victorian Era (1840-1901).
An unusual spherical locket-charm made in the United Kingdom during the Victorian period, circa 1880's. It was made from two round cabochons cuts, carved from natural transparent rock quartz.
The textured frame, is crafted with twisted wires made of 14 karats yellow gold and is suited with a hinge, a push lock and a movable bale on top of 6 mm to hang into a chain or a charm's bracelet.
The use of this piece is to place small photos, mementos or little flowers, which, when are placed inside, are pressed and from the outside is magnified in 3 or 4 sizes like a magnifying glass.
The Victorian, era is one of the most influenced and influential periods of antique jewelry. This period is defined by the British monarch, in this case, Alexandrina Victoria, the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, as well as the Empress of India, years 1837-1901. There are 3 sub-periods within this era. First, the early, Romantic period, which is soaked in traditions, natural motifs in gold and silver, clear stones only being worn during the day and colored gems by night.
The second being the Grand or mourning period, which coincides with the death of Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert the consort, who died in December of 1861. This period included large, dark, somber, dramatic jewelry, with a lot of black onyx, jet wood, amethyst, garnet and gold. This lasted until 1880's, when the aesthetic period of jewelry began.
The Late or third stage of the Victorian period, use more complex and feminine motifs, returning to the natural, including many floral and celestial designs, with more decadent gemstones, lasting until the turn of the century. The Victorian era of jewelry includes many movements found in other countries, including revivals such as the Etruscan the Roman and the Egyptian as well as the Art Nouveau, Liberty style and Arts and Crafts design movements which lead into the beginning of the twentieth century.
Have a total weight of 9.6 grams and a measures of 18 mm by 26 mm (0.70 by 1.02 inches).
It in perfect condition with no chips or cracks. have all the original aged patina.
INVENTORY REF: P0000ANNL/.1111
