An incredibly rare locket dating to circa 1870's, with 16 dazzling rose-cut diamonds and a large statement opal cabochon.
 
Lending to the Russian national style at the time when this incredible locket was created, she is a statement piece, designed to sparkle under candlelight and contrast against fur collars and coats that were worn to protect against Russia's cold climate.
 
This dream piece is a must for any antique jewellery collector!  She has beautiful struck hallmarks for St. Petersburgh, with the gold purity "56" for 14-carat gold and the makers mark (slightly faded to the sides due to age).
 
Typically worn to symbolise hope, security and stability, anchors were a popular feature in Victorian era jewellery and are hugely desired today.
 
When she arrived with us, she had ribbon filling the inside compartments, a common style in antique lockets.  We have added 0.59cts of repurposed antique old-cut diamonds and 0.30cts of vintage opal cabochons floating inside the compartment on the right inside the locket, adding even more magic to this beautiful piece. You are easily able to remove the ribbons/gemstones from these compartments to fill the locket with your own keepsakes, and you also have the option to take her without the additional repurposed precious stones.
 
The locket is gilded in 18ct yellow gold, original to the design, that brightens the gold tone to a buttery yellow glow.  With wear, and due to the age of this incredible piece, the 18ct gilt is a little faded in the centre of the front and back, although it is not hugely noticeable when worn and remains bright throughout the rest of the piece - inside and out.  We have taken the decision not to re-gild her as her age and character radiates through the natural aging of this historical locket, however, we are happy to prvide a quote if you would like to have her re-gilded before she is shipped.
 
Her original bails remain perfectly intact, both strong and secure, and she carries her interior compartments, one side with the original glass inlay and the other with a plastic sheet that will have been added at a later date to relpace the glass on that side. 
 
The only decision you need to make now, is whether you want her with or without the additional precious stones inside!