Gorgeous silver Aesthetic era Victorian locket featuring beautiful swallow engraving on one side and ivy leaves on the other. It has  intact inserts so you can add your own photos or keepsakes.

If you would like a silver chain to compliment this gorgeous piece please go to the Chains and Pearls Collection in the store.

Swallows are birds known to mate for life, and they always return to their nests after time away. They were therefore used in Victorian and Edwardian jewellery to symbolise love and constancy.  Jewellery bearing the image of a swallow, were also often given to loved ones when the giver set out on a long journey, as a charm to keep them safe until their return, and to guide the giver home. The symbol of the swallow often meant, 'to safely return home'. Ivy leaves were also a popular motif as they represent everlasting life, devotion, fidelity and loyalty.

The Aesthetic Movement in Britain (1860 – 1900) aimed to escape the ugliness and materialism of the Industrial Age. The philosophy championed "art for arts sake" therefore believing art and literature only needed to be beautiful and did not necessarily need to carry a deeper meaning.

Container jewellery to house tokens and special items have been around since Egyptian times and the first  “lockets” held medicinal herbs, religious relics, prayers or perfumes. Elizabeth 1 is thought to have owned one of the first sentimental lockets which was a ring depicting tiny portraits of both herself and her mother Anne Boleyn. Before the invention of photography locks of hair were often put in lockets to remind you of loved ones. The popularity of lockets as a keepsake grew with the widespread use of photography and endures today.

The locket measures 6cm x 4cm (including the bail). The locket has no hallmarks but does acid test for low grade silver.

This unique piece of jewellery may have signs of wear due to its history. It is beautifully imperfect and should be treated with love and care. This locket is in excellent antique condition.

All Vonk Jewellery is presented in a gift box and pouch with luxe ribbon. If you would like a gift message included please message me at checkout.