Victorian Necklace Pendant Cross Slide Locket Heart Gold Diamonds Enamel (6902)

Antique Victorian necklace with cross pendant and heart locket slide. Gold, diamonds and enamel with some silver. Made in the United Kingdom circa 1845.

 

Measurements: Weight is 15.7 grams. Approximately 18.5 (46cm) long.

 

Description : Gold snake-link chain, very slinky and luxurious to the feel. A cross / crucifix is suspended from the chain. The cross arching up to the intersection of the arms and somewhat back towards the terminals. The top and sides of the cross as well as the fairly large bale, are beautifully enamelled in deep Royal blue enamel. Over and above this, it is overlaid with rosecut diamonds, set in silver. The diamonds with a flower in the center, high above the rest of the surface and twining foliage and tendrils in a very naturalistic design. The terminals with trifoil, fleur de lis design, pave set with diamonds.

 

The back of the cross is beautifully engraved with a floral, foliate and swirling design that echoes the diamond overlay of the front. It shows that no effort was omitted to create the ultimately beautiful cross.

 

The chain is further enhanced by a matching slide in the shape of a heart. It slithers up and down the chain according to the wearer's wish, in silky, sensuous movement. The rounded front of the heart is enamelled in the same way and color as the cross and has similar overlaid adornment in the form of a diamond set flower and foliage. There is a glass case at the back of the slide, allowing for a lock of hair or tiny picture of a loved one to be inserted.

 

Beautifully modelled elongated clasp with tongue in groove catch. There is an additional short gold chain with an S-loop catch which serves as further security for the necklace.

 

It is rare to find such wonderful jewelry that combines both a religious as well as a romantic theme. The union of the two themes is beautifully integrated in this necklace.

 

Workmanship and design of all aspects of this necklace are superb. It is as highly wearable and stunning today as it was over 150 years ago. Equally remarkable is the great condition. See below.

 

Marks and Metal: No marks, as is to be expected of English jewelry of this period. Gold was acid tested. It stays for 18ct and is at least 15ct.

 

Condition: Good with negligible wear commensurate with age. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.