Details
This special antique Victorian star locket is crafted in warm 18ct yellow gold and carries a deeply touching history. Nestled in its original leather, silk, and velvet presentation box, made by “W&M Dodge” of Manchester, a gold-tooled inscription on the lid reveals it was presented to a respected head teacher Miss Ann Gould by her students at the end of the school year in September 1874, perhaps as a leaving gift to be worn close to her heart, holding cherished memories of her time there inside.
The locket’s domed centre is encircled by a coiling border and crowned with an eight-pointed star, symbolising the teacher as a guiding light, while the seed pearls represent her innocent and devoted pupils. The reverse is also beautifully hand-chased with a bountiful fruit basket and scrolling flourishes, representing the abundant fruits of her labour and the pupils as a ripe harvest nurtured to maturity.
Clearly cherished across the centuries, the locket has remained in remarkable condition, developing a smooth, warm patina while retaining its original inner rims and presentation box, preserving its heart-warming legacy. A superb collector’s piece for lovers of sentimental Victorian jewellery, or a deeply meaningful gift for an inspiring educator in your life.
We recommend you insure for £2,500. We can provide a written Valuation on completion of the sale.
WEIGHT: 13.2 grams
MEASURES: Height 36mm (48mm inc. loop) x Width 29mm x Depth 14mm
METAL: Yellow Gold (Tested 18ct)
STONES: Seed Pearls
AGE: Victorian. (Circa 1874)
MARKS: No marks, typical for items made before hallmarking legislation was introduced
CONDITION: Excellent, commensurate with age
ITEM NUMBER: 26-100
You can find more Victorian Gold Lockets in our Antique Lockets collection.
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