A mourning locket in the shape of a stylized padlock suggests security, attachment, and guardianship. On the reverse is a glass panel, beneath which a lock of hair could be placed and worn against the skin as an intimate memorial. Black onyx, associated with mourning in the 19th century, signals loss, while the small cascading seed pearls were understood to represent tears.
bale can be removed
MATERIALS: 14k gold (tests), onyx, seed pearls, black enamel, glass lens
AGE: c. 1870
CONDITION: Very good - a couple small scuffs to the enamel and onyx
SIZE: 2 1/4" length including the bale, 1 3/4" x 1 1/8" padlock