A beautiful antique Victorian silver locket with unusually detailed decoration to both sides and an original period photograph still preserved inside.

This substantial oval locket has wonderful character and craftsmanship. Unlike many simpler Victorian lockets, both exterior faces are decorated, giving the piece an attractive appearance whichever side is worn facing outward.

One side features richly worked ivy leaf and berry decoration, arranged in raised bands across the upper and lower sections. The leaves stand proudly above a finely textured background and are framed with delicate twisted-rope borders, while the polished central panel provides an elegant contrast.

The reverse is also decorated, making this a particularly appealing double-sided antique locket.

Opening on its original side hinge, the locket retains its internal fittings, including a purple fabric-lined compartment and, remarkably, an old period portrait photograph of a gentleman. The photograph has been left exactly as found and adds considerable historical charm and individuality to the piece.

Details:

Antique Victorian silver locket

Oval form

Decorated on both sides

Raised ivy leaf and berry ornament

Fine textured and rope-edge detailing

Polished central panel

Original hinged construction

Purple fabric-lined interior

Original antique gentleman's portrait photograph included

Suspension ring for attaching to a chain

Approx. 35 mm body length, excluding suspension ring, based on photographed scale

Genuine antique piece with age-related surface wear and patina

The ivy motif was especially popular in Victorian jewellery and traditionally carried associations with fidelity, attachment and enduring affection, making it particularly appropriate for a sentimental locket designed to hold the image of someone important.

The piece shows surface marks, patina and signs of use consistent with its age. These have been left visible rather than disguised, preserving the character of an antique object that has clearly had a life before reaching the present day. Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.

A wonderfully evocative piece of Victorian sentimental jewellery, combining double-sided decoration, fine applied silver work and a surviving period portrait. An especially attractive example for collectors of antique silver lockets and Victorian jewellery.