Antique Georgian Pendant Brooch Gold Carnelian Padlock Heart Key Locket (6933)

Antique Georgian pendant brooch. 14k gold and carnelian. English, made first quarter of 19th century. 

 

Measurements: Weight is 7.5 grams. Total length approximately 2 1/2 inches (6cm); carnelian padlock alone measures 1 inch (2.7cm).

 

Description : Polished carved carnelian in the form of a padlock. A pair of minute gold roses embellish the outward curve of the lock. Each flower composed of minute gold spheres surrounded by ropetwist filigree. An inset gold border surrounds a domed glass-covered locket, with brown braided hair inside. The loop of the padlock suspends a pair of chains, one connected to a beautiful gold heart and the other to a tiny key. The surface of the key has similar raised adornment to the flowers on the lock, each section surrounded by tiny rings of twisted gold wire. The heart with very subtle, fine engraved/impressed surface decoration.

 

An oval gold plate on the back of the padlock has a hinged pin with simple c-clasp. The pin is clearly very old, but not gold, so it might be a Georgian era replacement.

 

Padlock pendants, often with suspended hearts and keys like this example, were popular during the early 1800's and are quite often depicted in books on antique jewelry. One is shown in Shirley Bury's book on Jewellery page 163, dated 1805. Another is shown on page 35 of her book on Sentimental Jewellery, dated 1800.

 

Marks and Metal: No marks as is to be expected of jewelry from this period. Gold was acid tested to ensure metal purity.

 

Condition: Good with minor wear commensurate with age. Glass of locket has surface wear and scratches (not deep) causing a cloudy appearance. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.

 

This pendant brooch came from a fabulous French collection of English jewelry.