French Gold, Turquoise & Pearl 'Etruscan Revival' Locket
One particular style of jewellery we really love is Etruscan Revival, and this French locket is an exceptionally fine example. The 18 karat yellow gold locket centres on a half pearl that has been surrounded by an oval halo of fancy cut turquoise, likely Persian in origin. The border of the locket features fine granulation and wirework which is a typical element of Etruscan revival jewellery, while the backside of the locket is plain polished gold. Internally the locket opens to reveal two glazed sides which are suitable for photos or to have hair or a small momento placed inside. The bale of the locket has two very small French marks, one being the French eagle mark which tells us the material is 18 karat gold, and the other an illegible maker's mark. Etruscan Revival jewellery was popular from the 1860s to the 1880s and was often bought as a souvenir of a Grand Tour. This particular example dates to the later part of that date range and presents in very good condition with just a fine crack to one of the small turquoise, commensurate with age and use. A truly delightful example of Etruscan Revival jewellery which is just as wearable and useable today as it was 150 years ago. Marked - French eagle purity mark and an illegible maker's mark Measures - 4.5cm L (including bale) Total weight of piece - 14.3 grams NB. The pendant is modelled with a fine chain which is not included with the piece.