Pure of Heart : French Antique Rock Crystal Heart Locket

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French in origin, this delightful handmade rose gold and rock crystal locket is a tiny dream from times past. It’s in remarkable antique condition, surprising for its delicate nature.

The two rock crystal panes are in perfect condition without a scratch or chip. The locket open and closes securely. There is enough room inside for two photos or something small and flat (not quite enough for a shaker, however). The rock crystal is only slightly plump and has the shimmer and glow of fine rock crystal. It’s slightly convex shape gently magnifies whatever small treasure is held within. Even when empty it is an alluring piece of jewellery. I’ve added a small feather from a galah (and Australian cockatoo) in the photo of the locket being worn.

The tiny hallmark at the top of the loop the Ram’s head hallmark which dates the piece to 1819 -1838. (As it is French we can’t call it “Georgian” – the ruling monarchs in France during this time were Louis XVIII, Charles X and Louis Philippe.) I imagine this locket dates to the 1830’s as the heart shape has transformed over time, finally reaching its current shape with the cleft top and straight pointed bottom during the early 1800’s. Prior to this the shape of a heart was more in line with the shape of our blood pumping organ by the same name; it was smooth across the top and more rounded at the bottom.

Rock crystal is another term for transparent clear quartz – it is prized for its hardness and total lack of colour or flaws. It belongs to the same gemstone family as citirine and amethyst. It is extremely hard and resistant to scratching. The two halves of our rock crystal heart are held together with exquisitely handmade gold fittings. I had the locket XRF tested for gold content: the result was 16ct, perhaps a generous mixture of gold intended to be 15ct. The locket opens smoothly and closes securely. Two little gold bobbles to the side of the locket aid in opening and closing the piece. The hinge is in perfect working order. Indeed there are no flaws or faults to note in this truly lovely little jewel.

The locket measures approximately 18.5mm from top to bottom (not including the loop or bail) x 17.5mm wide and 4.5mm deep. It weighs 2.5 grams. The large bail has a diameter of 8mm.

It is in outstanding antique condition, ready for immediate wear.

Description

French in origin, this delightful handmade 16ct rose gold and rock crystal locket is a tiny dream.

Dating from the mid 1819 -1838 the locket measures approximately 18.5mm from top to bottom (not including the loop or bail) x 17.5mm wide and 4.5mm deep. It weighs 2.5 grams. The large bail has a diameter of 8mm.

It opens and closes securely and is in outstanding antique condition, ready for immediate wear.

Additional information

Era

1819 -1838, French in origin

Materials

gold content XRF tests as 16ct gold
Clear windows are made from rock crystal (clear, colourless quartz)

Dimensions

Height (not including bail): 18.5mm
Width: 17.2mm
Depth: 4.7mm
Weighs 2.5 grams