A rare and deeply evocative Victorian mourning locket in 18ct yellow gold, c.1880, set with a fine bull's eye agate — the concentric banding of the stone giving it a hypnotic, almost optical quality that was greatly prized in the 19th century. The oval form is finished in satin gold, the restrained surface treatment characteristic of the finest mourning jewellery of the period. To the reverse, the original plaited hair remains intact — a deeply personal relic of the Victorian tradition of keeping a lock of a loved one's hair as a memorial. The locket is accompanied by its original fitted box from Collingwood & Son, the distinguished London jewellers who held a Royal Warrant, adding a further layer of provenance and historical significance to an already remarkable piece.

The Details

• Circa: 1880
• Weight: 11.5g
• Dimensions: 3.1 × 2.8cm (excluding bail)
• Hallmarks: 18ct gold
• Provenance: Original fitted box from Collingwood & Son, London; original plaited hair to reverse