Description
Date: c. 1850 – 1880s, mid-Victorian era
Materials: natural earth-mined diamond, black enamel, 10k rose gold (unmarked; tested with nitric & muriatic acid), pewter (interior structural/strength backing for gold only; not visible unless glass cover and purple silk cloth is removed), 10k yellow gold (chain only), 14k yellow gold (bail only)
Weight: 18.5 grams (locket only), 19.2 grams (with chain)
Locket length: 45 mm (excluding jump ring and bail); 53 mm (including jump ring & bail)
Locket width: 37 mm
Locket depth (at deepest points): 15 mm
Diameter of diamond: 5 mm (approx. 0.38 – 0.4 carat)
Length of optional 10k add-on chain:
Condition: the main condition issue to note is that the outer edge of the black enamel has had some repair work done to it, mainly to fill in shallow enamel loss, surface chips, and various nibbles here and there. These repairs are well matched in color and texture, and is not visible when the locket is worn. You can however spot the repairs when you examine the locket closely at a slant against a light source. Aside from some expected age-related surface wear to the gold, this piece is in great antique condition. The glass cover is clear and without scratches; it closes snugly and sits flush. The diamond and setting are secure and without issue.