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Victorian pendant and matching bangle

Reference #: 9160

Status: sold

Dimensions: pendant is approx. 1 and 1/4 inches by1 and 5/8 inches or
2.9 cm by 4 cm (not including pendant loop at the top);
bangle is slightly wider than 1 inch; oval bangle will fit a wrist from 6 to 7 inches in diameter

Condition: excellent/near mint

Year: Registry mark precisely dates both pieces: 7 May 1881

Price: sold

Description:  Victorian pendant and bangle are sterling silver with rose and green gold accents; a very desirable and hard to find combination.  The set is fine quality.  One of the indications of this is that both pieces have English registry marks, one only finds this mark on the best quality, English jewelry.  It is a marking system that was much more frequently used on ceramics.  The nice thing about a registry mark is that it enables us to specifically date the piece.  In this case, the pieces were made on 7 May 1881.

The inside of the locket still retains both bezels and glass.  On the back is a makers mark and the registry mark.

This set is in excellent condition.  No dents, repair or damage to either piece.  On one side of the locket interior, there are four "scratch" marks.  This naturally, will be covered over when one puts a photo in it.  Most historians attribute marks like this as indications of the number of times the item was pawned.  During the Victorian era, jewelry was not only used as adornment but also as a way to keep wealth.  When a person was a bit short on money, it was not uncommon for them to take an item(s) to a pawn shop and use it as collateral for a short term loan.  Sometimes the pawn marks are complex, with initials and a date; sometimes it is just a "scratch" line.  Personally, I think these marks add to the charm and intrigue of a item.  

To see other images of this item, please click on the following thumbnail photos:

                 
   
First photo is English registry mark (and makers mark) on the pendant and second photo is of registry mark on the bangle