14k Gold Victorian Serpent & Sapphire Locket and Chain. This lovely locket features a snake - long a symbol of everlasting love - among flowers with five gleaming round cut sapphires running across.
The 5 round cut, blue sapphires total approximately .25 cts. The locket measures 30mm x 30mm, not including the bale, and approximately 40mm with the bale.
The chain measured 23.5 inches long and, given the patina on both pieces and the style of link, we believe the chain is original to the locket or that they were originally purchased contemporaneously.
The locket closes securely. There is no glass which is common for lockets of that time, but a photo placed in the locket by a previous owner remains securely in place. We’ve chosen to keep the original photo in place but it can be removed by a new owner. Very good vintage condition overall with appropriate surface wear and patina, some dings to back of locket which do not affect wear; consult pictures as they form a part of the description. This is a very special piece and we’ve opted to only give it a light cleaning should the next owner desire the patina and to preserve the photograph inside.
Chain weighs 7.6 grams; locket weighs 9.2 grams for a total of 16.8 grams.
Hallmarks: 14k (on chain); both items have been tested and confirmed 14k.