SW15 Collectables

Description

A charming piece of 'grand tour' jewellery. A delicate, 19th Century, Italian, oval, pietra dura mosaic is set in a glazed 15ct gold locket mount. The pretty floral decoration is very fine - which often denotes a piece from the early part of the 19th Century. The bevelled glass - a further sign of quality - is contained within a gold band and fits firmly. The locket compartment contains a card back to fit. The generous gold bale is marked '15ct' and 'DB' - presumably a maker's mark. The 15 carat standard and use of 'ct' would suggest that the mount itself is English. I would date this conservatively to no later than 1870.

Overall - 53x34mm - locket compartment 37x29mm.

The condition is excellent for its age. The observations below are intended for completeness and transparency. There is nothing material that detracts from aesthetics or function. See photos. The locket fits well and tightly. The card insert, which may or may not be original, was once glued to the back of the stone, but is no longer attached. There is minor surface scratching to the glass and the gold which also has minor deformities, all consistent with age and normal use. The back of the mounting stone has some pitting and scratching. Visible under loupe and in magnified pictures, there may be some losses where some of the leaves and flowers join the design.

I trade in small silver, jewellery and objets d'art. I sell primarily at antiques fairs and in cabinets in Christique Antique Centre in Dorking. I try to find unusual and interesting stock and like to keep turning it over, so I can buy more. Postage and packing are free within the UK - unless explicitly stated otherwise. All fine jewellery will be supplied with a box. If the box/case is described in the text, it will be the one photographed, but may not be if it is not mentioned explicitly. I keep hardly any stock at home, if you want to buy something and need it urgently, I will usually do it the next day, but it may take me some time to respond if you need extra photographs and/or details about the piece that I do not have to hand, as I typically visit the antiques centre just once a week. If you don't see what you're looking for - feel free to send an enquiry via the site. I have only been able to list a portion of my stock.

I will always mention anything that materially affects the aesthetic or function of a piece, but will not attempt to describe what I consider to be normal for age and use. Please use the photographs as well as you can and I’m always happy to answer specific questions.