Victorian Enamel Heart Lock
A wonderful lock from the Victorian period, c1860/70s. The lock is made in the shape of a heart and has wonderful, vibrant blue enamel to the front. At the centre is a little pearl set flower with a tiny paste stone at the centre. The gold of the lock tests as 15ct with some pretty chased detail around the edge, and there is a beautiful domed glass set into the back with purple silk behind. The glass back cannot be removed and, though it looks as though the enamel front should slide out to reveal a compartment, this has also been sealed shut. The lock itself works perfectly and has a good secure click. It could be worn on a chain around the neck or as a clasp for a bracelet.
Enamel items should always be worn with care to avoid any chips or cracks to this delicate finish.
Details:
Materials - 15ct Gold (tested), Enamel, Pearls, Paste, Glass back
Age - Mid Victorian
Size - The heart measures approx 20.5mm long by 18mm wide. The lock measures around 33mm long in total
Condition - Very good. It looks as though a little work has been done on this heart, though it came to me as is and is in excellent condition overall. There are two largish dark patches within the enamel (towards the edges) where perhaps there was damage and it has been re-enamelled. The whole enamel surface is very smooth overall, however, and this is noted for accuracy only. The paste at the centre is fairly chipped.
Weight - 7.2g
A wonderful lock from the Victorian period, c1860/70s. The lock is made in the shape of a heart and has wonderful, vibrant blue enamel to the front. At the centre is a little pearl set flower with a tiny paste stone at the centre. The gold of the lock tests as 15ct with some pretty chased detail around the edge, and there is a beautiful domed glass set into the back with purple silk behind. The glass back cannot be removed and, though it looks as though the enamel front should slide out to reveal a compartment, this has also been sealed shut. The lock itself works perfectly and has a good secure click. It could be worn on a chain around the neck or as a clasp for a bracelet.
Enamel items should always be worn with care to avoid any chips or cracks to this delicate finish.
Details:
Materials - 15ct Gold (tested), Enamel, Pearls, Paste, Glass back
Age - Mid Victorian
Size - The heart measures approx 20.5mm long by 18mm wide. The lock measures around 33mm long in total
Condition - Very good. It looks as though a little work has been done on this heart, though it came to me as is and is in excellent condition overall. There are two largish dark patches within the enamel (towards the edges) where perhaps there was damage and it has been re-enamelled. The whole enamel surface is very smooth overall, however, and this is noted for accuracy only. The paste at the centre is fairly chipped.
Weight - 7.2g
A wonderful lock from the Victorian period, c1860/70s. The lock is made in the shape of a heart and has wonderful, vibrant blue enamel to the front. At the centre is a little pearl set flower with a tiny paste stone at the centre. The gold of the lock tests as 15ct with some pretty chased detail around the edge, and there is a beautiful domed glass set into the back with purple silk behind. The glass back cannot be removed and, though it looks as though the enamel front should slide out to reveal a compartment, this has also been sealed shut. The lock itself works perfectly and has a good secure click. It could be worn on a chain around the neck or as a clasp for a bracelet.
Enamel items should always be worn with care to avoid any chips or cracks to this delicate finish.
Details:
Materials - 15ct Gold (tested), Enamel, Pearls, Paste, Glass back
Age - Mid Victorian
Size - The heart measures approx 20.5mm long by 18mm wide. The lock measures around 33mm long in total
Condition - Very good. It looks as though a little work has been done on this heart, though it came to me as is and is in excellent condition overall. There are two largish dark patches within the enamel (towards the edges) where perhaps there was damage and it has been re-enamelled. The whole enamel surface is very smooth overall, however, and this is noted for accuracy only. The paste at the centre is fairly chipped.
Weight - 7.2g