Victorian Red Enamel Heart Locket Necklace

A really beautiful, Victorian-era necklace, modeled in 14k yellow gold, whose central element is a heart-shaped, crystal-back locket. The face of this heart locket is decorated with panels of true-red guilloche enamel, which are arranged like rays around a central pearl— the fine engraving beneath this translucent red enamel gives the impression of feathers. The locket's central pearl rests in a cut-down collet, while a clutch of smaller pearls surround our feathery enamel, creating a white border. This locket hangs from a buttery, yellow gold cable chain. An additional collet-set pearl acts as a "tie," connecting the length of the necklace to its swag-like, pendant drop. Closure is an old barrel clasp. This wonderful old locket necklace has a queen of hearts vibe, thanks to its rare red-and-white color combination, but it also brings to mind the idiom “my heart has wings!” Condition is excellent. 

Materials

14k gold
Enamel
Pearl
Crystal

Age

c. 1880 - 1890

Dimensions

Total wearable length is approx 16"; heart measures approx 17.1 x 16.1 mm; pearls measure approx 1.8 mm, (21) 2.8 mm (1), and 3.7 mm (1); chain is a solid link and measures approx 1.6 mm.