Antique gold lockets have always been associated with romance, sentimentality, and memories and here at Milly's Marvels we just love antique lockets. From ancient civilizations to the Victorian era, these small keepsakes have played a significant role in preserving memories and holding dear the people we love.
The history of lockets dates back to ancient civilizations, where they were used as a symbol of love and affection. In ancient Egypt, people would wear locket-like pendants containing mummified remains of loved ones as a way to keep their memory close. These pendants were often made from precious materials such as gold and adorned with intricate engravings and symbols, making them not only a sentimental piece, but also a status symbol.
During the medieval period in Europe, gold lockets were highly sought after and were worn as a symbol of love and devotion. They were given as gifts between lovers and were treasured keepsakes of their relationship. The Victorians, known for their love of sentimentality and romanticism, popularized the use of lockets as a way to preserve the memory of loved ones through photography. These lockets were often worn close to the heart, and were crafted from luxurious materials such as gold, and they were sometimes decorated with precious stones and intricate engravings.
The tradition of wearing lockets as a way of keeping loved ones close continued throughout the centuries, and it was only when photography was invented, lockets evolved to contain small photographs of loved ones. These lockets were often used as mourning jewellery, and they were passed down through the generations as cherished family heirlooms.
Antique gold lockets are not just beautiful pieces of jewellery but they also hold a sentimental value that makes them unique and special. The romance and nostalgia of these lockets makes them a timeless piece of jewellery. They are a symbol of love and devotion that has lasted throughout the ages, and continue to be cherished today as a reminder of the special people and moments in our lives.
During the Victorian era, lockets were incredibly popular and the designs of these lockets were quite diverse. The Victorians were known for their love of sentimentality and romanticism, and they popularized the use of lockets as a way to preserve the memory of loved ones through photography.
One of the most popular designs of lockets during the Victorian era was the "mourning locket." These lockets were worn as a way to commemorate a loved one who had passed away. They were often made from black enamel or jet, a type of black fossilized coal, and featured intricate engravings of mourning symbols such as willow trees, urns, and skulls.
Another popular design was the "photo locket." These lockets were designed to hold a small photograph of a loved one. They were often crafted from precious metals such as gold or silver and adorned with intricate engravings and enamel work.
The Victorians also favoured lockets that could open and featured a hidden compartment. These "perfume lockets" were designed to hold a small amount of perfume and were worn as a way to keep the scent of a loved one close. They were often decorated with intricate engravings, enamel work, or even precious stones.
The Victorians were also known for their love of intricate and detailed jewellery, and this is reflected in the designs of their lockets. Lockets of the era often featured intricate engravings, such as flowers, scrolling patterns, or even miniature portraits. Some lockets were also adorned with precious stones, such as diamonds or emeralds. Many members of royalty throughout history have owned and worn antique lockets. These lockets were often used as a way to commemorate a loved one, or as a symbol of power and status.
One of the most famous examples is the Great Seal of the Realm locket, which was commissioned for Queen Victoria in 1845. This locket features a miniature portrait of the Queen on one side and the Great Seal of the Realm on the other. It was designed to hold a lock of her husband's hair, and it was a symbol of her love for him.
Another example is the locket of Marie Antoinette, the queen of France before the French Revolution. The locket contained a miniature portrait of her children, and it was said to be a source of comfort to her during her imprisonment in the months leading up to her execution.
Queen Alexandra, the consort of King Edward VII of the United Kingdom, was also known to have owned several antique lockets. One of them was a locket that contained a photograph of her husband, King Edward VII. It was crafted from gold and diamonds and it was a symbol of her devotion to him.
Queen Elizabeth II is also known to own antique lockets as part of her jewellery collection, she inherited several lockets from previous monarchs such as Queen Mary and Queen Victoria. They were often passed down through generations of the royal family as family heirlooms and symbols of heritage and tradition.
Collectors and lovers of antique jewellery, in particular, will find antique gold lockets to be a fascinating and desirable piece to add to their collection. These lockets are not only a piece of art but also a piece of history, telling the story of love and memories that have been passed down through the generations.
In conclusion, antique gold lockets are not just beautiful pieces of jewellery but also hold a sentimental value that makes them unique and special. They are a symbol of love and devotion that has lasted throughout the ages and continue to be cherished today. They are a timeless and charming piece of jewellery that holds a special place in the hearts of many. At Milly's Marvels we have a large collection of Antique Lockets available, click here to browse our extensive range of lockets.