{"product_id":"ultra-rare-immeasurably-special-early-victorian-mourning-locket-circa-1840s-1850s","title":"ULTRA RARE \u0026 IMMEASURABLY SPECIAL — Early Victorian Mourning Locket (Circa 1840s–1850s).","description":"\u003cp\u003eULTRA RARE \u0026amp; IMMEASURABLY SPECIAL — Early Victorian Mourning Locket (Circa 1840s–1850s).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you adore true Victorian sentiment, symbolism, and high-craftsmanship treasures… then buckle up, because this is one of those once-in-a-decade finds.\u003cbr\u003eUp for grabs is an exceptionally rare early Victorian mourning locket, crafted at a time when hairwork, remembrance, and romance were intertwined in the very language of jewelry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis exquisite pendant is crafted in solid 9ct rose gold, beautifully mellowed with age, and topped with sterling silver — a classic early-Victorian combination used to enhance the brightness of diamonds while keeping the warmth of gold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ornate bail is a miniature piece of art on its own:\u003cbr\u003eSet with two small, natural rose-cut diamonds, each hand-faceted and irregular in shape — that delicious, soulful sparkle only antique gems can offer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe front of the locket features a round, beveled crystal\/glass face — thick, durable, beautifully cut — protecting a breathtaking panel of intricately braided human hair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVictorian hairwork was not morbid; it was love made tangible. It symbolized:Eternal connection, Memory, Devotion across distance or death, “Memento mori” sentiment (remembrance of the beloved).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEncircling the glass is one of the most beautiful mountings imaginable: a crescent-moon-shaped halo, meticulously set with 27 old rose-cut diamonds, graduating in size as they follow the curve.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver time, the back was thoughtfully soldered closed — not as damage, but as preservation. It means that at some point in history, someone chose to permanently protect the hairwork inside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimilar high-quality Victorian mourning lockets sell internationally for:\u003cbr\u003e$850 – $1,600 USD (R15 000 – R30 000) for mid-range examples\u003cbr\u003e$2,000 – $3,500 USD (R36 000 – R65 000) for pieces with diamond halos or crescent motifs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis piece sits firmly in the upper tier, especially with its intact 27-stone diamond circle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*chain not included*\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeasurements : The locket measures 2.5cm x 2.2cm exclusing the bail.The largest diamond measures approx 3.80mm x 3.30mm.The locket with a weight of 7grams.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Expedition With Jones","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50695328858418,"sku":null,"price":13985.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0871\/2110\/1106\/files\/20251205-150755.jpg?v=1765249041","url":"https:\/\/expeditionwithjones.com\/products\/ultra-rare-immeasurably-special-early-victorian-mourning-locket-circa-1840s-1850s","provider":"Expedition With Jones","version":"1.0","type":"link"}