She tucked two small treasures inside before fastening the locket and heading out into the streets of Victorian Birmingham. A photograph of someone dear, a curl of hair tied with ribbon, a tiny note folded until it fit just so, the sort of private things never intended for anyone else to see. On the outside, however, there was nothing shy about it. Strong and architectural in silver, sparkling with blue and clear stones and covered in scrolling ornament, it was a wonderfully fashionable little jewel concealing something deeply personal within.

Created in Birmingham in 1882, this striking Victorian sterling silver locket has a strong rectangular silhouette softened by scrolling decoration and a pointed marquise shaped panel at its center. Two deep blue paste stones and a clear paste stone are set vertically down the front, each surrounded by delicate engraved starbursts, while tiny silver beads edge the central panel and curling flourishes ornament the top and bottom. The locket opens along one side to reveal two generously sized compartments, both retaining their frames. It measures 61 millimeters from top to bottom including the bail, 30 millimeters across and 11.4 millimeters deep, and weighs a substantial 28.25 grams. It is fully hallmarked with the lion passant for sterling silver, the Birmingham anchor and the date letter “h” for 1882.

Bold on the outside, sentimental on the inside. Very Victorian indeed.

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Item id: LTA24759VA