FRIENDSHIP Antique AMITIE French Large Hand Painted Portrait Locket Pendant XL Hair Work Gilt Metal Reversible Victorian

ABOUT:

Personal collection release - extra large reversible statement portrait pendant / locket with many interesting antique elements. I got this piece in Paris, in the same state as you see it now. I love jewelry with words and the beautiful detail to the hand painted portrait on one side, underneath the chunky beveled glass was so hauntingly beautiful to me. Then turning it over you have the tidy and interesting hair work, and the little plaque in the center reading "L'Amitie" - French for "friendship." I have enjoyed it but I recently purchased another statement pendant so I had to let one go. Definitely a one of a kind piece. On the side with the hair work there is an outline of reverse painted lavender and metallic gold flourishes. Surrounding the hair work is a channel that would have held the purple gemstones in a complete halo. There are only three stubborn ones remaining, again it was like this when I purchased it. The piece is in a rosy gold gilt brass (I believe), with a thicker brass added jump ring.

The piece does open from the bottom with the hinge at the top by the loops. I have only ever opened it once and as mentioned kept everything as is since I received it. There is the hand painted portrait inside which is painted on a thick, non flexible panel. There are some leather inserts providing the backing to the friendship panel and the painting. Inside is also a piece of parchment with "Donna" written in old fountain pen but nothing else on it. There are also some numbers written on the back of the portrait, but they appear later. I wish I knew Donna or knew the stories this piece could tell! The intricate hand painting is so beautiful.

Antique box not included. Please note the measurements as I have small hands and it can be difficult to decipher scale from photos.

MEASUREMENTS:
It is 66mm to the top of the hinged bale by 44mm wide. The amitie and hair work is behind a domed panel so the piece is about 12mm thick. Large piece, weighs a sturdy 30 grams.

IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:

Please note that all my pieces are pre-owned and in estate condition. As mentioned the purple glass stones are mostly missing. There are four cracks at the top to the glass. Some grime around the hairwork from age under magnification. The painting side of the locket is in very nice condition with the thick beveled glass and the portrait in great condition. Surface wear and scratching, some patina from age to the gilt metal. I am selling it as is for what I paid for it.

Still a beautiful and interesting piece. But my disclaimer with all my estate pieces - Please note due to age, this piece is not in mint condition.

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