9ct Gold (Front and back) Mizpah Sweetheart Locket and 9ct Gold trace chain

This is a really sweet little antique Victorian engraved Mizpah Heart Locket.

Marked for 9ct Gold (Front and Back), it is likely to be from the late Victorian/early Edwardian era. The locket shuts securely, but needs to be closed by applying pressure on the top and bottom of the locket until you hear a 'snap'.

Once open, it has space on both sides to hold pictures or a keepsake. The locket no longer includes its glass covers.

Raised lettering adorns the centre of the heart, spelling out the word, 'Mizpah'. In the backround, a clear engraving of the phrase, "The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent from one another' is clearly seen.

The word Mizpah comes from the Old Testament (Genesis 31:49, "And Mizpah; for he said, 'The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent from one another") Mizpah jewellery was popular during the Victorian era from the mid- to late-1800s and tended to serve as sweetheart jewellery, given to a loved one during a period of long separation such as military service or travel.

This is a lovely locket which would make a romantic gift, or a pretty keepsake to hold the pictures of a loved one close to your heart.