Classical Victorian onyx and diamond locket

OBJECT GROUP : loose stones
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN : France
STYLE : Victorian
PERIOD : 1870
SOURCE OF INSPIRATION : Mother Nature
THEME : Mourning jewels - At that time there was actually a jewel for every stage of the mourning period. Dull black in the beginning of the mourning period and a shiny black (and even very decorated jewel) would mean the mourning was coming to an end.
MATERIAL : 18k yellow gold and silver, see also: The silver on gold technique
TECHNIQUE : Silver on gold. This technique finds its origin centuries ago, when jewelers believed that only a silver mounting could render the true beauty of a diamond. Backing the silver jewel with a (thin) layer of gold was a practical precaution taken to avoid the silver jewelry leaving black stains on clothing or skin. Over the years, with the recognition (and thus use) of platinum as precious metal and the development of white gold the practical necessity to use bi-colored material became obsolete. The argument to use bi-colored metals became more an estetic then a practical one.
EXTRA INFO: Flower symbolism - click here for an explanation on Flower symbolism
DIAMONDS : 37 rose cut diamonds. We do not have the weight of the diamonds which is normal in our trade when it comes to rose cuts.
PRECIOUS STONES : The locket itself is made out of onyx, a rather unusual material to make a locket from.
WEIGHT : 21.10 gram (13.57 dwt)
HALLMARKS : French origin since 1838 - eagle's head - We are sure of the origin of this jewel because of the control mark representing an eagle’s head (that was in use in France from about 1838).
CONDITION : Except for a minor damage on the inside of the locket it can be considered in excellent condition - (click here for our condition scale)
SIZE : Width approx. 2.84 cm (1.12 inch), height approx. 5.20 cm (2.05 inch)


WHEN REFERRING TO THIS PIECE : Mention the following number: 01254-0519 or click here.


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Victorian lockets
Victorian pendants
Victorian jewelry
Victorian jewelry with rose cut diamonds
Jewelry with onyx
Mourning jewelry
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