Pre 1900 pearl and gold brooch locket
Locket with raised cameo in gold setting and surrounded by small pearls. Clasp is made of gold with small pearls descending in size. Locket is 1 3/4 " x 1 1/4"
Am pretty certain this was a gift of Jonas Meyer of San Francisco to either his daughter or granddaughter sometime between 1850 and 1900.
Inherited
Maybe
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
It is a beautiful little locket. Such antique jewellery are being offered at auction on a regular basis.
The design and the condition of the small gold and pearl locket is very good. It has an appealing look to it and is very charming. It is obvious to see that it was made for a wealthy family. I think you are quite right about the dating of the item. It origins from the middle part of the 1800s. The decoration, style and materials are all quite typical of this period. Despite its age it is not the most popular piece of antique jewellery today. Today fashion prescribes diamonds and that determines the price. However it would most certainly attract the attention of both collectors and dealers if it came up for sale.
The estimate provided is for a well-advertised specialised online antique jewellery auction, where I believe the locket has the best chance of realising its fullest potential. However, there is no measurement for the sentimental value you might attach to the lovely little piece. Retail "asking prices" can be higher and vary.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions. I’m happy to help.
Thank you
Thank you for your questions. Cameos were usually carved out of a shell, however usually the colours are lighter on seashells so I believe that it may have been cut and carved out of some kind of horn in darker colours. However it is difficult to see on the photos. It may also have been molded as you sometimes see in the late 1800s.
Thank you
Kind regards
Sabrina - one quick question...Would the figurine on the cameo be made from some type of stone or from some concoction that was put in a mold? I have no idea what materials would have been used at the time this was created. Thanks...sorry to trouble you. Ralph