Victorian 14k Garnet Pearl Padlock Pendant

A large and gorgeous late Victorian padlock pendant, of solid 14k gold and encrusted with split pearls of various sizes and three round faceted garnets. The padlock body is hand-decorated throughout with etched decorative motifs and borders, while a prominent keyhole occupies the center. The rows of pearls are arranged in a lyre shape, a symbol for Apollo, the god of the Arts. The padlock itself symbolizes love and protection, while the keyhole serves as an access to the inner “unlocked” heart. Finally, the lock shackle is rendered in the shape of a heart— a clever wordplay to mean, “shackled at the heart.”