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Antique sterling silver round pendant painted with a woman's protrait framed by a halo of turquoise cabochons, hanging on a silver cable link chain.
Antique sterling silver round pendant painted with a woman's protrait framed by a halo of turquoise cabochons, hanging on a silver cable link chain.

Victorian Turquoise Miniature Portrait Locket

$800.00

Beautifully detailed antique locket circa 1850, featuring a hand-painted porcelain miniature portrait surrounded by pavé set genuine turquoise cabochons in a range of richly saturated Carribbean blues.

Turquoise often undergoes a subtle color shift with time, as exposure to light and various environmental changes can deepen its natural hue; the mosaic-like pattern it creates in an antique piece like this adds to its unique charm.

The locket is enhanced by a bail also set with cabochon turquoise in a lovely florette motif. Crafted in sterling silver with a rosy gold vermeil finish and the original rounded glass cover on the reverse, which closes firmly to protect whatever keepsake or photo you might want to safeguard.

A piece of antique white silk grosgrain has been placed inside to provide a soft background for the item that once rested safely behind the glass. This is perhaps original to the locket as it bears age related discoloration.

Details: Measuring 1" in diameter total with the bail adding approximately 1/4" and strung on a fine 18" sterling silver cable chain. The space for a photo or keepsake measures approximately 5/8".

Condition: In excellent antique condition with minimal wear to the stones. There is evidence of possible enamel repair to the portrait visible only under magnification as the surface along the edge near her left shoulder is a bit uneven, and there are a couple of very slight scratches on her chin.

History: Originally this would have held a locket of hair, not necessarily in mourning but was more likely a love token. The demurely uplifted gaze of the beautiful young woman in the portrait gives us this clue, while the suggestion of a daring décolleté underlines the idea of romantic intent. The frame of turquoise around her sweet face intensifies the message of affection.

Turquoise has for centuries been revered as a powerful healing stone capable of grounding and soothing the wayward spirit as well as strengthening the bonds of friendship and love.