This rare and substantial Victorian hinged locket is an exquisite example of 19th-century British craftsmanship, made in 1871 by jeweller Charles Sanders. Crafted from 9K gold and weighing a notable 11.5 grams, the locket features deeply engraved floral motifs on both sides, showcasing the decorative style associated with the Aesthetic Movement, which prized artistry and beauty in every detail.

A unique feature of this locket is the British Diamond Registration Mark engraved faintly on the bail. Introduced in 1842, these marks served as a safeguard against imitation, recording the rightful owner of the design. The numbers in the registry lozenge indicate this locket was patented on 14 August 1871. Only two locket designs were filed on that day, both registered by Charles Sanders, making this piece not only a work of art but a true collector's item with documented provenance.

The locket opens to reveal a hidden compartment, a clever and patented design element, adding a layer of functionality to its beauty. Its dimensions of 3.5cm (4.5cm with the bail) by 2.8cm by 0.7cm provide a large size for a Victorian locket, making it perfect for carrying a meaningful memento.

In exceptional condition, the locket shows no dents or signs of damage, and the hinge mechanism operates smoothly. Crafted in 9K gold, this locket combines historical significance, patented design, and aesthetic appeal in one remarkable piece.

The Victorian era was a period of great change and innovation in the world of jewellery. Spanning from 1837 to 1901, the era witnessed an explosion of styles from romantic and sentimental to Gothic and grotesque. The use of jet, onyx, and coral in mourning jewellery became popular after the death of Prince Albert in 1861. The discovery of diamond mines in South Africa in 1867 led to an increase in the use of diamonds in jewellery, as well as the popularity of more elaborate gemstone cuts such as the cushion, rose, and old mine cuts.

Victorian jewellery was also notable for its use of complex symbolism, such as snake motifs that represented eternal love or the use of flowers to convey hidden meanings. The jewellery made in this era featured the finest materials and was made by highly skilled craftsmen, making it some of the most desirable antique jewellery for its unique charm and fine quality.

DELIVERY

We are pleased to offer free worldwide shipping on all our orders. We dispatch all items via a secure and trackable delivery service providing full insurance for your item. You will receive a shipping confirmation email after purchase with your tracking number so that you know your order is on its way. We aim to dispatch all items within 1-2 working days after payment has been received.

For UK delivery, we send with Royal Mail Special Delivery, arriving by the next working day. For International orders over £1000 we use DHL Express International, and for orders under £1000 we use Royal Mail International Tracked and Signed. All items are sent fully insured.

You can find more information about our shipping policy here.

RETURNS

We understand that purchasing antique jewellery online can be a daunting task, which is why we offer an easy, no-hassle returns policy. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, simply get in touch within 14 days of receipt for a full refund, no questions asked. We want our customers to feel confident when buying from us, and our returns policy is just one way we ensure this.

Conditions: Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. All items are to be returned in their original condition and packaging. Buyer damaged items and items bought on layaway are ineligible for returns. Items over £2500 can be returned for store credit only.

You can find more information about our returns policy here.