My eyes lingered long on this because there is simply so much to absorb. Every surface had copious amount of details and impossibly fine twisted wire climbed like ivy on a historic house. There’s bold Greek keys on either sides of the locket that has a protective stance to it. Tiny nailheads are dotted across the surface and darling plump pink pipes are 3D running through the sides with a finished edge on the back. Every detail was designed with the purpose to awe. And I am in major awe. This is the kind of Victorian jewelry that captures a moment when ancient Etruscan treasures had reentered the imagination. Jewelers at first were looking at Etruscan jewelry with the impulse to replicate. They wanted to imitate it completely with the ancient techniques that were uncovered and celebrated in Italy. Later, they started to have some of their originality to it. This locket feels like someone was conversing with an artifact rather than reproducing it. The gold has a beautiful matte glow, achieved through a finish called bloomed gold. The gold’s surface was treated with acid to leave behind a rich and glowy layer of gold. This locket looks like it is radiating energy from within. It is also wonderfully hefty at almost 16g of solid gold. There is nothing flat about this, all of the details carried wonderfully into the bail too. The whole piece feels like a confessional love letter to the ancient Etruscans, an archaeological romance translated into Victorian gold. Maybe my favorite contradiction is that despite all of its ancient references, the shape has an unexpected futuristic edge. There is something armor like, a little stormtrooper, a little steam punk (lol and those two didn't exist in the Victorian era!)
Specification Victorian dated 1870s Etruscan revival style 15k gold (tested and unmarked) in a bloomed gold finish 15.8g total 1.6” locket shape Jump ring and bail is 2.2” inches 1.24” width
Condition
Some dark tarnish areas on the sides of the locket and at the bail. There is one dent on the back. Gold scratches but not noticeable to the naked eye. In excellent condition.
