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A curated collection of antique and vintage jewellery remodelled to be worn and loved today.
An antique aesthetic era rectangular silver locket with an engraved bird and reeds design, displayed next to its vintage presentation box on top of an antique black-and-white portrait photograph.
An antique aesthetic era rectangular silver locket with an engraved bird and reeds design, displayed next to its vintage presentation box on top of an antique black-and-white portrait photograph. A silver pendant necklace with an engraved monogram for Auspice Mary, resting on its brown velvet-lined presentation box. The box lid shows the brand name 'Reginald & Barbour Coventry'. An antique Victorian rectangular silver pendant necklace featuring an engraved bird and reeds, resting on a light surface next to an open vintage wooden box. A silver locket pendant with engraved floral and bird motifs, resting on an antique black-and-white portrait print next to an open vintage jewelry box. An open silver locket pendant necklace displayed on a white surface next to its vintage wooden presentation box and a sepia-toned portrait print.
An antique aesthetic era rectangular silver locket with an engraved bird and reeds design, displayed next to its vintage presentation box on top of an antique black-and-white portrait photograph.
A silver pendant necklace with an engraved monogram for Auspice Mary, resting on its brown velvet-lined presentation box. The box lid shows the brand name 'Reginald & Barbour Coventry'.
An antique Victorian rectangular silver pendant necklace featuring an engraved bird and reeds, resting on a light surface next to an open vintage wooden box.
A silver locket pendant with engraved floral and bird motifs, resting on an antique black-and-white portrait print next to an open vintage jewelry box.
An open silver locket pendant necklace displayed on a white surface next to its vintage wooden presentation box and a sepia-toned portrait print.

Antique Aesthetic Era Silver Swallow Locket Or Reliquary Pendant Necklace

$225.00

Brand Vonk Jewellery

Gorgeous silver Aesthetic era Victorian locket or reliquary pendant featuring a swallow on one side and an intricate engraved monogram on the back. The locket is on a contemporary sterling silver curb chain. There are no hallmarks but the locket has been tested for silver. 

The Aesthetic Movement in Britain (1860 – 1900) aimed to escape the ugliness and materialism of the Industrial Age. The philosophy championed "art for arts sake" therefore believing art and literature only needed to be beautiful and did not necessarily need to carry a deeper meaning.

Swallows are birds known to mate for life, and they always return to their nests after time away. They were therefore used in Victorian and Edwardian jewellery to symbolise love and constancy. Swallow brooches, as well as other jewellery bearing the image of a swallow, were also often given to loved ones when the giver set out on a long journey, as a charm to keep them safe until their return, and to guide the giver home. The symbol of the swallow often meant, 'to safely return home'.

The monogram is most likely the letters AM and religious representing the Latin term Auspice Maria or "under the protection of Mary".

Container jewellery to house tokens and special items have been around since Egyptian times and the first  “lockets” held medicinal herbs, religious relics, prayers or perfumes. Elizabeth 1 is thought to have owned one of the first sentimental lockets which was a ring depicting tiny portraits of both herself and her mother Anne Boleyn. Before the invention of photography locks of hair were often put in lockets to remind you of loved ones. A reliquary pendant is a small box or container to house a religious relic.

The locket measures 3cm x 2.5cm and the chain measures 50cm.

This unique piece of jewellery may have signs of wear due to its history. It is beautifully imperfect and should be treated with love and care. This locket has a slight dent on the front otherwise it in in good antique condition.

All Vonk Jewellery is presented in a gift box and pouch with luxe ribbon. If you would like a gift message included please message me at checkout.