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from the archive
Victorian Dead Bird Locket
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HUNTING WAS A rich person's sport in 19th century England (and for the centuries before that, too). Up until this point, it would have been enough to just be wearing jewelry to signal how wealthy you were. By the 1880s, though, society was changing and all kinds of people - including the new middle class - could afford to wear some kind of gold locket. So showing off hunting-related symbolism? This could double down on your high status, or your desire to be seen that way. Here, a bird has just been shot, we think - strange position she's in, right?

  • Materials

    14k gold (marked), new 14k gold chain

  • Age

    c. 1880

  • Condition

    Very good - some small solder marks on the face of the locket from a previous repair (looks like the bird was re-attached or re-secured)

  • Size

    1 1/2" length including the bale, 1 1/4" x 1" locket, 18" chain

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Victorian

Aboutthe

VictorianEra

18371901

please note:Terms of Sale

Antiques can be returned unworn and in original condition within 10 days of delivery for an exchange or refund minus the cost of shipping. Once a piece has been altered, including ring re-sizing, it is FINAL SALE.

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Lockets: Magical, Medicinal, Memorial
Lockets:Magical, Medicinal, Memorial.

RelatedHistory Lesson

Bird-Inspired Jewelry: Meaning & Magic
bird jewelry:symbolism & significance

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