Victorian, Antique, Pinchbeck Shaker/Photo Locket

This is a truly beautiful antique locket. Crafted in a durable pinchbeck, this antique beauty is a true piece of history.

These items were historically used to hold a time piece but are now largely used as photo lockets, housing a photo on each side.  The covers on both sides remain in good condition with only age related wear - quite extraordinary given that this locket is 100 years old!   Nowadays, these types of lockets are commonly referred to as shaker lockets, and they cary anything from pretty flowers or even loose gem stones.

This locket is a beautiful circle shape, and measures 2.5cm x 2.5cm (4cm down including the top bale).  The top of the locket is framed with a beautifully decorated top and shoulders, and a strong bail.  It weighs a healthy 4.90g and could be worn with a belcher chain, as per the photos.  (Belcher chain is sold separately)

This is a perfect example of timeless antique jewellery, as striking, and easily worn today as it was 100 years ago.  

Please have a look at the pictures and video, and get in touch if you need anymore details.

A note about Pinchbeck:  Christopher Pinchbeck, was born in Clerkenwell, England in  the 1670s, and it was he who invented what became known as Pinchbeck, the eponymous alloy, and which was used as a subsitute for gold.  At that time, pinchbeck because extremely popular as it opened up the jewellery market for people who could not afford to buy 18ct Gold.