A truly exceptional piece of Victorian jewellery, circa 1880 — a substantial 15ct gold collar necklace with an original bolt ring mechanism at its centre and a magnificent locket of extraordinary decorative richness. The locket is engraved with a profusion of Victorian motifs: maple leaves, fleur-de-lis, and roses, with diamond-cut panels upon rope twist inlay — a level of engraving detail that speaks to the very highest standards of Victorian goldsmithing. Open the locket to find original period portraits, still in place after nearly 150 years: a deeply moving connection to the lives of the people who wore and treasured this piece.

At 61g in 15ct gold, this is a necklace of extraordinary substance and presence. The collar sits at 42cm with a 1.5cm width; the locket measures 3.6 × 4.5cm, with a bale and bolt ring adding a further 2.5cm. Authentic examples of this quality, completeness, and condition are becoming genuinely scarce — a significant acquisition for the serious collector of Victorian antique jewellery.

The Details

• Circa: 1880
• Metal: 15ct gold (tests as 15ct)
• Weight: 61g
• Collar dimensions: 42 × 1.5cm
• Locket dimensions: 3.6 × 4.5cm
• Bale & bolt ring: 2.5cm
• Interior: Original period portraits