Antique Victorian MIZPAH Rose Cut Diamond & Green Gem Locket

A charming antique MIZPAH locket from late Victorian to early Edwardian era, c1900! The locket outer panels are made of 9ct rose gold over a yellow-colour gilt metal frame.

The nice sized locket features MIZPAH engraved inside a scroll and angled across the front cover. The letters are accented with a mixture of 11 rose-cut diamonds, 11 green paste gems, and 2 natural earth-mined green gems. Under high magnification the 2 natural green gems appear to be replacements, and likely natural earth-mined gems as internal natural inclusions are evident, albeit the enclosed back making it difficult to ascertain. The back cover is plain. No stamps are evident to the locket, it has been tested to verify carat gold.

The locket opens up to reveal old photos of a young boy and an adorable-faced toddler. The photos rest behind a plastic cover. The mind boggles as to the sentiment of the photo's... perhaps a reminder whilst separated due to travel, or perhaps a keepsake of 'her' loving children... or perhaps the more sinister, the passing of loved ones. The photo's have not been removed in case of damaging them.

MIZPAH jewellery found popularity during the Victorian era, and symbolized a bond of love between two people during a period of long separation, such as travel, military service or exploration (which was common in Victorian times!). The word Mizpah originates from the bible - Genesis 31, Verse 49, “And Mizpah; for he said, The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another”) and meaning “watchtower” in Hebrew.

A charming piece of history steeped with endearing meaning. A perfect gift for that someone special, or to add to your collection!