Early Victorian Gold Memorial Locket Pendant Hair Inscription Antiquaria

He was her world, the one who grew old and grew gray hair with her, the one who made the tea every day exactly at 4, and who encouraged her to sneak ice cream at midnight. So she decided to take him with her, until her own bittersweet end. She put his blissful memory around her neck, in a golden locket. All she had to do was close her eyes to feel his warmth, to see his dark blue eyes, to hear his laugh as his eyes squinted and that dimple showed up on his cheek. All she had to do was hold her locket, breathe deeply, and know he was next to her.

This sentimental large antique gold circle locket was handcrafted in England, in the 1830s. It’s a round sturdy piece, meant as a memorial locket, made in 18 karat gold with beautiful engraving bordering the front door, and the bale. The front door and the back feature geometrically placed engine turned engravings making both sides look like a swirling golden flower. The overall measurements are 53 x 31 x 9.5 mm and it weighs 17.0 grams. The inside door bears the two inscriptions, The upper one reads “In Memory of S.B.C” and then at some later date, the owner added “Also of my dear Husband George Codd who died 3rd Jan 1841 Aged 48 Years”. The other side holds three locks of light hair, each tied gently with string. This piece is unmarked and has been acid tested.

Memorial jewelry was worn by both men and women after the loss of a loved one. Queen Victoria became well known for staying in mourning for 40 years after the loss of her beloved Prince Albert when she was merely 42 years old. Keeping a lock of hair from a loved one was customary, as families wanted a part of who they lost. In many cases, they creatively crafted it into something beautiful, like this locket.

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ITEM ID: LTA19669VA-1