Hopeful Urchin : Small Victorian Era Locket with Anchor Motif in 15ct

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A small and symbolic Victorian Era locket in 15ct gold with an 18ct gold wash. This charming little locket is covered in sea urchin-like texture, with an anchor in relief on one side. The anchor is a Victorian sentimental symbol of hope – as seen in the ‘love hope and charity’ charms. Mariners and seafarers were important figures during the Victorian Era in the time of tall ships with billowing white sails on the high seas. The sea was the livelihood of many – sailors were responsible for trade both locally and abroad, and fisherfolk made their living on the ocean. Traditionally this was a male dominated field, leaving wives and mothers on shore to hope and pray for the safe return of their kinfolk for voyages both short and long. The anchor symbolizes a deep, strong, and invincible bond.

Manufacture:
Made in 15ct gold with an 18ct gold wash. The locket has no hallmarks but the gold content has been verified by XRF test.

To the back of the locket is a rock crystal lens compartment, deep enough for small three dimensional objects. In times past a lock of hair would have been placed inside, a sweet memento of a much loved person separated by time and distance. I had thought to put some tiny shells inside – little ocean gems, or pearls would also be cute and appropriate if you don’t wish to put a photo or some other personal memento inside. The locket section will come out with the aid of a fine blade and a careful hand, but you could also enlist the help of your jeweller. If you’d like me to source and add something special I’d be delighted – please just let me know.

The locket is small in size, measuring 17.2mm x 13.8mm x 6.4mm, not including the loop or bail. It weighs 1.8 grams.

**Please note the chain is not included and is for display purposes only. If you are looking for a chain to match please get in touch.

Condition:
This dear little love does have some signs of her age, but nothing that prevents her being worn and loved today.
Her flaws are as follows: there is a hairline crack to the right hand side of the opening where the rock crystal lens sits. It is stable and not in danger of growing. If it wasn’t there I doubt it would be possible to get the lens section in and out as it is a very snug fit. Please see the photos.
There is a chip to the inside of the lens at the top.
There is also some darkening around the loop where the bail attaches. This may be silver solder or it could just be dirt – I haven’t wanted to take any tools to the locket. It is barely visible to the naked eye.

These faults have been taken into account when pricing this sweet little sentimental piece.

 

Description

A small and symbolic Victorian Era locket in 15ct gold with an 18ct gold wash. This charming little locket is covered in sea urchin-like texture, with an anchor in relief on one side. The anchor is a Victorian sentimental symbol of hope and stability.

To the back of the locket is a rock crystal lens compartment, deep enough for small three dimensional objects. In time past a lock of hair would have been placed inside, a sweet memento of a much loved person separated by time and distance. I had thought to put some tiny shells inside – little ocean gems. The locket section will come out with the aid of a fine blade and a careful hand, but you could also enlist the help of your jeweller.

The locket is small in size, measuring 17.2mm x 13.8mm x 6.4mm, not including the loop or bail. It weighs 1.8 grams.