Victorian 15ct Ruby and Pearl Engraved Locket

This circa 1870s Victorian 15ct yellow gold locket just came in, and it is an elaborate accomplishment of craftsmanship. On an engraved background, we have four natural rubies and 20 small natural half pearls, set within white and navy blue enamel. The back of the locket it also beautifully engraved.

Circa: 1870
Design Style: Victorian 
Gemstones: Rubies & Pearls
Cut: Round Cut & Half Pearls
Carat: Rubies = 0.35ct
Pearls measure 1.00 to 1.30 mm
Material: 15ct Yellow Gold
Measurement: 30.00 x 25.00 mm

Victorian Period
Defined by none other than Queen Victoria herself, had three stages - the Romantic, the Grand and the Aesthetic.

It was during the Romantic era that Queen Victoria married her Prince, Albert. Sentimental motifs such as; hearts, lover’s knots, flowers, bows, crescent moons and particularly serpents (which was subject to Queen Victoria’s engagement ring which represented enduring love) became extremely popular in jewellery design. Cameos, Enamelling and the use of bright coloured gemstones such as; garnets, amethysts, turquoise, pearls and diamonds gave way to the creation of jewellery that was beginning to speak a symbolic language of its own.

The Grand era was a sombre period which saw Queen Victoria mourning the death of her beloved husband Albert. It encompassed 20 years during which time Victoria would only wear black and mourning jewellery. As a result the Whitby Jet industry flourished and onyx and deeper coloured garnets rose in popularity. Rings, lockets and brooches were commissioned with compartments for a lock of a loved one’s hair and were often engraved with the person’s name, age and date of death.

The Aesthetic era saw a return to the light-heartedness of the Romantic Era. The discoveries being made through archaeology led to an Etruscan Revival with Greek, Roman and Renaissance influences becoming apparent in jewellery design as well as symbols of good luck and fortune.