Locked & Loaded : Vintage 18ct Gold Padlock Pendant with Paste Turquoise and Coral

Padlocks have a delightful history as love tokens – from the “love locks” placed by lovers on the rails of the Pont des Arts bridge in Paris, or thrown into the Seine river, keys and all, to the heart shaped padlock closured on charm bracelets since Victorian times, locked padlocks are culturally ubiquitous symbols for the commitment, strength and constancy of a relationship.

This vintage 18ct gold padlock pendant/charm will never open, it is modelled in the shape only of a heart padlock and does not have the mechanism for locking. Each side of the padlock is set with a paste cabochon, faux turquoise on one side and faux coral on the other. The advantage these imitation stones have over their naturally occurring counterparts is that they will retain their deeply saturated colours regardless of exposure to water, lotion or perfume – all things that regularly discolour and degrade natural turquoise and coral.

Manufacture: 
Cast in 18ct gold, of hollow by sturdy construction. The charm has the 750 fineness hallmark on the bail, along with an identifying make I’ve not been able to decipher. It was made in the 1970s.

The pendant has a total drop of 31.45mm.
The padlock itself measures 20.6mm (not including the loop and bail) x 14.11mm x 7.62mm.
Weighs 3 grams.

Condition: 
In very good vintage condition, with minor signs of wear commensurate with age and use. Ready to be attached to a charm bracelet or worn on a chain. The bail has been pushed closed but is not soldered, I’m happy to have it soldered before sending it off to you if requested, please just leave a note in your order.