Victorian Horseshoe Gold Filled Locket / Heron Engraved Locket

Following the opening of trade with Japan in the mid-19th century, European society developed a massive craze for Japanese decorative arts. Asymmetrical compositions, single flowering branches, fans, and herons were directly incorporated into Western jewellery from traditional Japanese woodblock prints and textiles.

Victorian jewellery was heavily laden with hidden meaning. Herons were highly regarded across many cultures; in Celtic and ancient folklore, they often represented independence, patience, and feminine grace or Power.

Herons became popular in Victorian jewellery primarily during the Aesthetic Period (1885–1901), driven by a cultural obsession with Japanese art.

This beautiful gold filled locket is in the shape of a horseshoe and one is engraved around the heron. On the other side is a single forget-me-not flower which is a very sentimental flower in the early 19th century.

The locket opens up to hold two (2) photos but only one side has the frame and glass intact. The other side is missing the frame and glass. The hinge is very unusual where on the hinge is engraved PAT PEND.

The locket measures 0.75 inches in length and 0.75 inches wide at the largest point (the top of the horseshoe).

The engraving on the front and back of the locket are all hand engraved and expertly done.

The locket closes securely with a good snap so you are sure that it is closed securely.

Item Weight: 6.72 g