Vintage Locket Necklaces

Lockets are the ultimate way to keep someone close to your heart. Perhaps the most personal of all jewelry, vintage lockets come with decades of being treated with the same love and affection they felt towards the person depicted inside. Some choose to carry a picture of a loved one, others an adored pet, and on rare occasion a place that is near and dear. No matter what memory is inside, a locket is a perfect way to ensure you can always bring back that joy and emotion at anytime.

If you have lost a loved one, there is no better way to honor their memory than a locket. Wearing jewelry in remembrance of our beloved dead is a tradition that originated in the 16th century, but the fashion for mourning jewelry reached its height during the reign of Queen Victoria. Victorian mourning jewelry, particularly those pieces dating to the earlier part of this era, are of special interest to lovers of antique jewelry due to its uniquely personal nature; few other styles of jewelry allow such an intimate glimpse into the past. These pieces often share common motifs symbolizing grief and remembrance, but they may also feature loving personalized inscriptions and locks of the deceased’s hair, hand-worked and woven by the bereaved.

Check out our four part blog, "The Identifly Series", if you would like to learn more.

Part 1: Mourning in the Victorian Period

Part 2: Materials in Mourning Jewelry

Part 3: Early Plastics in Mourning Jewelry

Part 4: Hair Work in Victorian Jewelry

 

Latest Arrivals - Vintage Lockets

9k Rose Gold English Locket with detailed engraving

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Early 19th century Double sided Gold Locket

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Featured Photo Vintage Necklace Locket

So many great Victorian details come together in this wonderful locket. This bold, gold filled locket is embellished on the front with a taille d'epargne (black enamel tracery) design. The back is engraved with a romantic floral motif. The interior glass in present but cracked, and displays a photo of a lovely young girl with flowing tresses. The heavy, gold filled chain is a great accent.

  • Materials: Gold Filled, Taille D'Epargne Enamel, antique photo
  • Measurements: Locket measures 1.25" by 0.82". Chain measures 17" long.
  • Era: 1880's
  • Condition: Very good Vintage condition. You should always expect some wear on vintage and antique pieces, we consider it part of the charm.

 

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Jade Jabot pin in 18k Gold

The Shimmering Vintage Gold Locket Necklace

This is such a beautiful locket. Gorgeous all over, from the royal rich blue lapis gem set on the front to the flower engraved on the locket door on the back, every where you look a wonder. When you open the back to reveal the glass locket you also see more engraving around the oval, which isn't visible unless the back is open. These kinds of details are the mark of a true treasure. The 15ct gold locket is on a hand made double link 19th century chain which is 12k. The locket is in fabulous condition.

Details.....The locket measures 1.46" x 1.04", the lapis measures .83" x .61". The chain is 20" long and 2.7mm wide.

Layaway available, 

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Jade Jabot pin in 18k Gold

Gold Heart Vintage Necklace Locket

The exterior of this petite Victorian heart locket is faceted, creating a beautiful and dramatic effect. Enclosed within is a panel of finely woven hair under glass. This locket is a great example of Victorian jewelry's ability to be both edgy and sentimental.

  • Materials: 10k gold locket, 10k gold chain
  • Measurements: Locket measures 0.50" by 0.55". Chain measures 16" long.
  • Era: 1880's
  • Condition: Very good Vintage condition. You should always expect some wear on vintage and antique pieces, we consider it part of the charm.

Layaway available, 

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Jade Jabot pin in 18k Gold

Oval Vintage Necklace Locket

This charming locket is a lovely example of mid-Victorian jewelry. The front of the locked is embellished with a floral motif while the back is adorned with a shield, all rendered in a muted 10k yellow gold. The interior glass is intact on one side.

  • Materials: 10k gold locket, 10k gold chain
  • Measurements: Locket measures 1.10" by 0.85". Chain measures 18" long.
  • Era: 1870's
  • Condition: Very good Vintage condition. You should always expect some wear on vintage and antique pieces, we consider it part of the charm.

Layaway available, 

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Jade Jabot pin in 18k Gold

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JEWELRY HISTORIANS

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Elegant Signature Packaging Included

Elegant Signature Packaging Included

Lovely Words From Past Customers

"I adore Gem Set Love, I have over the 6 yrs I've lived in Portland bought way way too many pieces of jewelry and how could I not? The girls there are fellow jewelry addicts who are willing to show you anything without making you feel like if u don't get something your wasting there time (which is huge for anyone looking for something unique or just perfect). The selection is vast I've bought 2 pairs of earrings around $30 and an amazing unique heart attack worthy locket around $5000. I've bought many pieces for family members and are their favorite pieces. The ladies here are easy to work with willing to give advice, help in anyway they can and find you the perfect piece. I recommend them to everyone and will be back for as long as there!"

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1 DEC 2019

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12 MAR 2017

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Gold Rush: Make a Statement with Stacked Rings

Love from Portland Bridge & Groom's Magazine, featuring three spectacular pieces from our shop in the January 16th, 2018 magazine edition. Featured article linked here.

Portland Bride & Groom Magazine
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Interested in Learning About Jewelry Through the Eras?

MOURNING IN THE VICTORIAN PERIOD
INSTALLMENT 1 OF THE IDENTIFLY SERIES

-Paula Bixel - Proprietor

"Wearing jewelry in remembrance of our beloved dead is a tradition that originated in the 16th century, but the fashion for mourning jewelry reached its height during the reign of Queen Victoria. Victorian mourning jewelry, particularly those pieces dating to the earlier part of this era, are of special interest to lovers of antique jewelry due to its uniquely personal nature; few other styles of jewelry allow such an intimate glimpse into the past." (read the rest of the blog post here)

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