LARGE French Antique Black Onyx SHIELD Chunky Mourning Locket Pendant 18k Gold Victorian

ABOUT:

Beautiful and bold black mourning locket pendant with a shield shape and a deep compartment. The locket is a thick beveled glass with a gold frame and the large bale and mount is also in gold. I was told when I purchased it in France that the black material is onyx but I don't have a test to confirm. It is definitely not plastic or gutta percha, it is cold to the touch. I know French Jet was a popular material during this period as well.

Mourning jewelry was very popular during Victorian times (made even more popular by Queen Victoria herself) but this one is French in origin with the French hallmark on the loop for 18k gold.

Chain in photos is not included, it is a costume chain from Target that I use for staging : ). Please note the measurements as I have small hands and it can be difficult to decipher scale from photos.

MEASUREMENTS:
59mm to the top of the large bale by 24mm wide. It is 9mm deep from the top of the domed glass cover to the bottom of the black back. It weighs a sturdy 12 grams.

IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:

The domed top of the glass cover / crystal has scuffs making the top a matte finish, it is less noticeable when there is a photo inside. Some nicks and scratches to the outside edge of the glass as well but most of the wear is at the center. The front of the bale has two areas where the gold has worn thin, like linear holes to the gold. I thought the bale also had breaks from wear to the gold on each side from rubbing against a chain for years and years but studying it, the little slots were actually cut into the gold and are uniform on both sides so it appears that this is not damage but how it was made. The bale does not flex or bend so it is still plenty thick and stable.

Please note that all my pieces are pre-owned and in estate condition. They will have patina, surface wear, a few small nicks. These pieces may also have evidence of a sizing, some build up around the stones and / or inclusions seen under magnification, typical for antique pieces. I have mentioned any noticeable issues above and they are all still wearable and eager to be loved and accepted for many years to come, (the preservation of antique jewelry, even those with signs of their age and history, is important to me. : )
But - Please note due to age, this piece is not in mint condition. Pictures also serve as part of the description and condition report so please utilize the zoom feature which will magnify any wear significantly more than what is visible to the eye while wearing : )

But Please note due to age, this set is not in mint condition.

I would be delighted if you'd follow me in my shop. Thanks for stopping by!

SOCIAL:
Please feel free watch @mouseshouseantiques on insta for inventory drops, sneak peaks and previews!

Box#Dvc.2@4