RARE French PANSY Art Nouveau 14k Rose Gold Fill Mourning LOCKET Pendant Chain

  

Some examples seen in the last photo - thanks for stopping by! Beautiful and rare French antique gold filled mourning locket pendant on chain with a gem set pansy flower inset into the cover.

One of my favorites in the store at the moment, as the pansy always reminds me of my mom and this fabrication with the gem set pansy is quite uncommon and very lovely. The pansy flower was used in Victorian times as a symbol of remembrance.

The name "pansy" is derived from the French word pensée, "thought". It universally meant "think of me, " so it would also serve as a very thoughtful or romantic gift or memorial item. The locket is in rose and yellow gold fill with the body of the locket displaying a lovely rosy patina with the bezel in a contrasting buttery gold fill. On the cover is the black onyx which is set with seed pearls and foiled paste gemstones in pink, green and yellow to bring the pansy flower to life. The locket opens to reveal the two sides separated by a glass pane in frame / divider, that flips between the two sides.

So you could tuck a photo into one side, and then put a lock of hair or pressed flower behind the glass pane. This is an antique piece from the Belle Epoque era that I acquired in France. The French were known for their gold fill fabrication in the late 1800s to early 1900s, they would use an unusually thick layer of gold foil over brass to form the jewelry to withstand long term wear. It comes as pictured on its antique rose gold filled chain. The links on the chain are pressed in the center to provide a little sparkle / reflection when it catches the light. The piece measures an inch in wide by 1 1/2 inch tall to the top of the loop. Please note that all my pieces are pre-owned and in estate condition. No dings or dents, but the back has quite a bit of uniform surface wear and scratches and one deeper scratch about 3mm long at about 5 o'clock on the back. Beautiful antique gold fill patina with just a bit of discoloration which you would expect to see from age, but it presents beautifully. The far right pearl has some darker areas seen under magnification. The far left paste emerald has some discoloration to the foil back. The stones have some surface wear and nicks, most prevalent on the paste citrine in the center, but they all have a nice shine and glow. A few nicks to the beveled edge of the onyx. Hinge is still tight and it opens and closes firmly and snugly. The center pane hinge wobbles ever so slightly but it functions perfectly and nests just right into the side providing a secure compartment. The clasp on the antique chain is a bit loose and the chain links can get stuck up at times when twisted, but the unique links provided such a nice glint of light that felt it still adds to the piece. But Please note due to age, this piece is not in mint condition. I would be delighted if you'd follow me.

This item is in the category "Jewelry & Watches\Vintage & Antique Jewelry\Necklaces & Pendants". The seller is "callmemouse" and is located in this country: US.

This item can be shipped to United States.

• Design Style: Art Nouveau
• Featured Refinements: Antique Gold Locket, Mourning, Necklace
• Motif: Floral, Pansy, Love, Flower
• Type: Pendant, Chain, Necklace, Mourning, Locket
• Secondary Stone: Paste Ruby, Paste Citrine, Onyx, Pearl
• Year Manufactured: Pre-1920
• Jewelry Department: Fine
• Vintage: Yes
• Occasion: Anniversary, Birthday, Christmas, Engagement, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day
• Brand: Antique
• Era: Victorian
• Country/Region of Manufacture: France
• Style: Mourning, Romantic, Love, Forget Me Not, Locket, Pendant
• Base Metal: Gold Filled
• Material: Onyx
• Original/Reproduction: Original
• Antique: Yes
• Metal Purity: 14k
• Main Stone: Seed Pearl
• Metal: Gold Filled