A carved shell cameo — a classical female profile with flowing hair and draped shoulder — sits centered within a richly detailed gold filled frame. Black enamel fills the engraved scrollwork surrounding the cameo, creating strong contrast against the warm gold. The shaped cartouche frame with its quatrefoil silhouette and floral base details speaks to Victorian revival sensibility, and the hollow locket back suggests it once held a photograph or lock of hair. Signed Simmons, a respected American gold filled manufacturer active from the late 19th century onward.

Materials: Gold tone, carved shell cameo, black enamel

Details:

• Era: Late 1800s–early 1900s
• Markings: Simmons (on bail)
• Style / design notes: Quatrefoil cartouche frame; black enamel engraved scrollwork; twisted rope inner bezel; locket back; pendant bail
• Stone or material notes: Carved shell cameo; warm honey-brown ground with white relief; classical female profile with windswept hair
• Color: Gold filled, warm brown, white, black enamel
• Condition: Good vintage condition, please see photos 
• Measurement: 3" including bail

Collected by Mineral and Matter

A jet-black panel set within a milgrain-edged silver frame, adorned with a delicate applied cluster of flowers and a single faceted stone — the Victorian language of grief rendered in miniature. The locket opens to reveal two photo compartments, intact and ready to hold a portrait. Stamped "Silver" on the reverse, this is a genuine artifact of mourning jewelry's most significant era, when remembrance was worn close to the body.

Materials: Silver, black onyx or glass panel, clear paste or rhinestone accent

Details:

• Era: Victorian, late 1800s
• Markings: "Silver" stamped on reverse
• Style / design notes: Rectangular form, milgrain border, applied floral and leaf motif, faceted stone accent, hinged double photo locket
• Stone or material notes: Black onyx or black glass panel; single clear paste or rhinestone
• Function: Opens to two photo compartments
• Color: Silver with black panel
• Condition: Vintage with gentle surface wear consistent with age; light scratching to reverse
• Measurement: 0.5" x 0.75"

Collected by Mineral and Matter

An intricate vintage Victorian revival locket necklace, richly decorated with engraved florals, scrollwork, and dark enamel accents that create striking contrast against warm gold tones. The oval center panel is framed by an elaborate ornamental border, echoing the romantic decorative language of late Victorian jewelry.

Lockets like this were revived in the 1960s–1970s, when Victorian-inspired pieces became popular again for their symbolism and ornate craftsmanship. The hinged pendant opens to hold a small photograph or keepsake, carrying memory quietly close.

A piece that feels like a small heirloom—ornamental, nostalgic, and deeply romantic.

Details

• Era: likely 1960s–1970s Victorian Revival

• Material: gold tone metal with dark enamel accents

• Motif: floral and scroll engraving

• Style: ornate oval locket pendant

• Closure: hinged locket with chain clasp

• Signature: unsigned

• Condition: vintage condition with light wear consistent with age

Measurements

• Pendant height: approx. 2 in.

• Pendant width: approx. 1.5 in.

• Necklace length: approx. 24 in.

Collected by Mineral and Matter

This antique Edwardian Era locket is made by FM Co, Finberg Manufacturing Company between 1910-1930.  It features a beautiful emobssed edge detail and a centerpiece oval frame surround by florals. It is 1/20 12k Goldfill with some visible wear around edges. Measures approximately 1" by 1.5". Marked FM Co 1/20. 

Lockets have been around since the late 1800's Victorian Era with Prince Albert and Queen Victoria using lockets to remember their loved ones to the Sweetheart Era of the 1940's where soldiers took Prince Albert’s original romantic gesture and cue and cut out heart-shaped photographs of themselves intended to be worn by their paramours until they returned from distant shores. A modern day definition of a relationship of love that is now passed from one romantic generation to the next.

Each locket is one-of-a-kind, and in some cases, like this one, over 100 years old. Each has unique wear and tear that adds to the charm and history of the piece.  

This is the locket only, no chain.

Collected by Mineral and Matter