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Victorian Australian 15ct Gold Turquoise & Pearl Miniature Locket

Close-up of hand-painted portrait miniature on ivory set in a 15ct gold Victorian locket framed by turquoise and natural pearls
$3,500.00
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An exceptionally rare example of Australian Victorian jewellery, this exquisite 15ct yellow gold miniature portrait locket pendant by Duggin, Shappere & Co., Melbourne, c. 1898, embodies the sentimentality and fine craftsmanship of the era. At 39mm in diameter, the substantial round locket presents a beautifully preserved, hand-painted portrait miniature rendered on ivory — a delicate, painterly study whose soft brushwork and subtle coloration capture an intimate, highly personal aesthetic characteristic of late 19th-century portrait miniatures.

The portrait is set within an original, finely worked 15ct yellow gold frame and surrounded by a luminous border of bright turquoise cabochons alternating with natural half pearls. The contrasting cool blue of the turquoise and the warm glow of the natural pearls create a refined, jewel like halo that heightens the pendant’s visual impact while remaining true to period taste. The gold mounting, the quality of the stone and pearl settings, and the overall scale of the piece all speak to a shop capable of first class finish — fittingly, this locket is signed to the interior by the notable Australian firm Duggin, Shappere & Co., confirming its provenance and underscoring its rarity as an Australian-made Victorian jewel.

Equally moving is the deeply personal hand-engraved inscription on the reverse: “To my darling Mother from her loving daughter Constance. Xmas 1893.” This heartfelt dedication transforms the locket from a decorative object into a poignant keepsake, reflecting Victorian traditions of family memory, mourning, and remembrance. The date and dedication add historical resonance and provenance interest for collectors of sentiment jewellery and portrait miniatures.

This piece is remarkable not only for its aesthetic charm but for its cultural significance — a rare, locally produced example combining fine ivory miniature painting, high quality 15ct gold work, and period gemstone accents. Ideal for the discerning collector or as a museum quality statement of Australian decorative arts, this locket offers both wearable elegance and a tangible link to late 19th century domestic life and craftsmanship.

 

Circa: 1898
Design Period: Late Victorian
Origin: Australia
Jeweller: Duggin, Shappere & Co of Melbourne
Gemstones: Turquoise, Natural Pearls and Ivory
Portrait: Hand painted on Ivory
Engraving: Hand 
Inscription: 'To my darling Mother from your loving daughter Constance. Xmas 1898'
Metal: 15ct Yellow Gold
Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
Accompanied by an Ian Abeshouse Valuation

 

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