This is a rare French gold and glass locket in the form of a protective shield, with a border of well-matched seed pearls, circa 1809-1819. The locket opens on a top hinge at the back and secures with a tiny working padlock and key. Gorgeous details front and back on this locket. Place a personal memento inside, or wear it as it is, to emphasize the beauty of the piece itself.

An example of a similar locket is in the collection of the British Museum, said to contain a lock of Marie Antoinette’s hair (Museum Number 1978,1002.1202).

Chains and Lucky 8 shown are not included. Shop the gold and pearl sautoir here and the Lucky 8 here.

Marked with French right-facing rooster’s head, a later French owl, as well as a partially rubbed mark on the padlock.

18k gold, glass, pearl.

Dimensions and weight:

●       80 mm long (from top of loop to bottom of padlock)

●       38 mm wide

●       16.3 grams

Period: Georgian

Note that the key and tethering chain are modern. The key is a custom replica handmade in NYC of the original, which recently became separated from the locket. There is some surface wear to the glass, commensurate with its great age.

*Please note that all dimensions and weights are approximate. Age-commensurate wear may be present.

*For deliveries outside of the continental U.S., please contact us for shipping information.