Antique Aesthetic Era Silver Locket Necklace
$245.00
Gorgeous silver Aesthetic era Victorian locket featuring a swallow on one side and an intricate engraved monogram on the back. It is on a contemporary sterling silver curb chain. The locket has been tested for silver.
This pretty locket came to me it in a sad state with the hinge and ring broken. It has been beautifully mended and restored by my jeweller so that it can be loved again.
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'.
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. The popularity of lockets as a keepsake grew with the widespread use of photography and endures today.
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.
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.
