This locket is likely from the 1950s to early 1960s, based on its hallmarks and construction.

Decoding the Hallmarks

• 1/20 GF: This stands for Gold Filled, a legal standard indicating that at least 1/20th (5%) of the item's total weight consists of gold bonded to a base metal. While gold-filled jewelry was prominent in the Victorian era, the specific "1/20" fraction format became the standardized American hallmark for gold-filled pieces in the mid-20th century.

• FMB: This is the maker's mark for the Fred M. Birch company. Fred M. Birch and Samuel J. McCormick purchased control of the Briggs, Bates & Bacon jewelry manufacturing company in 1954.

Era and Origin

• Time Period: Because the FMB mark is associated with Fred M. Birch’s takeover of the company in 1954, and this style of gold-filled marking was most common through the 1950s and 60s, your locket fits perfectly into the Mid-Century era.

• Manufacturer Location: FMB (Briggs, Bates & Bacon) was located in Attleboro, Massachusetts, which was once known as the "Jewelry Capital of the World"
  
  

Locket measures 3/4" diameter, chain is 18"

In very good vintage condition

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

This vintage piece is a beautiful La Mode Scalloped Heart Locket. La Mode lockets were manufactured in Massachussets by Ripley & Gowan between 1915 and 1934, who used "La Mode" to trademark their jewelry. They are known for their Art Nouveau florals, swirling patterns, and unique elements often found on heart or oval shaped lockets. This piece features a etching of a flower and stunning leaves that surround a heart at it's center. Its scallop edge detailing makes it recognizable as a La Mode piece and adds to its cahrm. Strung on a brass 16" chain this piece is 1/20 12k Goldfill. Measures .9" by 0.75"

Heart shaped 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, over 100 years old. Each has unique wear and tear that adds to the charm and history of the piece.  

Collected by Mineral and Matter

These vintage silver sweetheart engraved lockets are beautiful and filled with personality. As early as Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s,  wearing heart shaped lockets to signify those they love/loved was popular.

The perfect gift or self affirmation piece. Each locket is one-of-a-kind, and in some cases, over 100 years old. Each has unique wear and tear that adds to the charm and history of the piece. 

• #1 Silver Triple Frame Crosshatch Heart (1970's-1990's) This silver piece features pink and green florals with a heart at the center and decorative crosshatching details. This piece is just the locket, does not include a chain.  The back has some discoloration, consistent with age. There are three locket frames inside. Measures 1" by 1.25". It is Marked STER on the back of the bail.

• #2 Silver Raised Edges Art Nouveau Bliss Brothers Co (1890's-1930's) This silver piece features Art Nouveau swirls and florals raised along its edges. The center features more florals and a chevron banner with pink negative space. This piece is just the locket, does not include a chain.  The back has some spotting, consistent with age.  .925 sterling silver. Measures 1" by 1.25". It is Marked BB co with a B inside of a B, denoting Bliss Brother's co, who operated from 1890-1937 in Attleboro, MA.
•  #3 Silver Diagonal Banner Floral (1874's-1920's) This silver piece features Art Nouveau swirls and a diagonal banner. It is marked Sterling RB Co  .925 sterling silver. Measures 1" by 1.25".  They who operated from 1874-1924 in Attleboro, MA.

Curated by Mineral and Matter

Make a bold statement with our Mineral and Matter XL Vintage Locket Necklaces—oversized beauties that demand attention. Each piece showcases intricate engravings and exquisite detailing that'll have everyone asking where you found such a treasure. Perfect for layering, stacking, or wearing solo, these vintage lockets blend nostalgic charm with modern flair. Open them up to reveal space for your most cherished memories, photos, or keepsakes. Whether you're channeling old-world elegance or adding a touch of whimsy to your everyday look, these necklaces are your new go-to accessory.

Pocket Watch Locket- This unique piece has an Art Nouveau feeling with floral engravings along the edges. The button on the top opens the locket, revealing the memories and images you choose to keep close. Hanging on a 24" chain, this piece measures 8cm by 4.5cm by 1 cm

Octagon Compact Locket- This stunning locket has beautiful impressions on both its front and back. Open it up to find two frame spaces to add your favorite photos. Hanging on a 24" chain this piece measures 4cm by 4cm by .5cm

Collected and Curated by Mineral and Matter

Leave it to a queen to start a whole new movement in jewelry. It was Queen Victoria and her beloved Prince Albert that first defined the Sweetheart Locket; with Victoria being gifted a charm bracelet with eight hanging pendants, each containing a lock of hair from their children  - to after Albert’s passing  - where she had a locket dangling, his portrait encasing. A wearable reminder of the love they clearly had for each other and the beginning of the lock down of lovers.

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

Locket #1 (1890 - 1910) is a long oval shape, embedded with CZs in 14k goldfill. Comes with vintage photographs inside. Has the name Midge engraved on the back. Measures 2.5" by 1". Paste stones are high quality, leaded glass imitation stones created in the 18th century and known for their brilliance.

Locket #2 (1901-1910's) This Locket is a beautiful circle locket embedded with CZ's in Goldfill. Stamped with S&BL Co., this locket was made by the Sigmund and Benedict Leder Company. Active from the 1870's through the 1930's, they were known to produce high quality Victorian and Art Nouveau designs. Creating popular keepsakes during the edwardian era. This piece is just the locket and does not include a chain. Measures 1.1" 

Locket #3 (1880's-1910's) This piece features a vase design surrounded by beautiful leafs and rose gold floral etchings. Open it to find vintage photographs inside. This piece is just the locket and does not include a chain. 10k GF. Measures 1" by .6"

Collected by Mineral and Matter