14kt. gold Victorian locket with stag and diamond cross

Victorian yellow gold locket embossed with a proud stag.  Above the stags head is cross set with 6 rose cut diamonds.  Beneath the stag is an oak branch with acorns; a Victorian symbol for long life and strength.

To Christians, the white stag has come to symbolize Christ, perhaps in part inspired by the St. Eustace legend, wherein the Roman soldier Eustace is hunting, and happens upon a deer with a cross between his antlers. Eustace converts on the spot, and is put through numerous tragedies, persecutions, etc., including the death of his family, until being miraculously reunited with them.

Dimensions: diameter is 2.2 cm or approx. 3/4 inch,  length of chain is 24 inches.  Chain is not original but matches the locket perfectly.

Condition: pristine; locket closes tightly, inside is original glass and bezel

Year: 1860-80; origin is Austro-Hungarian

Reference number: 9443

Price: $595 SOLD/Layaway

SOLD