Hello thanks for writing to us - what a beautiful antique locket with seed pearls and how quintessentially Victorian.
PEARLS: Freshwater pearls were found in rivers all over the world and between 1896 and 1899 pearls valued at over half million dollars were found in the White River in Arkansas.
QUEEN Victoria was loved by the people of England. In the predawn hours of June 20, 1837, eighteen year old-Victoria was awakened to be informed that her uncle, the king of England, had died. She was now the Queen of England. When she was told of the news, she is said to have vowed, "I will be good". And she was good, so good the era and many forms of antique jewelry from the Victorian era on both sides of the pond, bear her name and insignia.
I would date this locket circa. 1860-1880s. The first shots of the civil war were fired in April 1861. With the men away at war, personal reminders of their loved ones were important. Lockets became a popular and an important fashion accessory. Not only could they hold a tiny lock of hair but they also could liven up an old dress.
No karat marking. If there is no karat marking the only way you can confirm the gold composition is to test with gold metal testing equipment or take it to your local jewelry for him to test.
We are unable to provide a valuation on Antique Jewelry Investor.
