Edwardian Family Locket

Description

An Edwardian family locket, likely pinchbeck, with an oval double-sided form, engraved covers, and an internal glazed compartment for a photograph or keepsake. The antique oval locket has a warm gold-toned finish, scalloped edges, and finely chased decoration across both sides. As a pendant for everyday wear or occasional use, it offers strong period character and a practical sentimental function. The locket appears unmarked in the images, so the attribution to pinchbeck is an informed assumption based on colour, finish, and style rather than a confirmed material test. Chain not included.

Design & Craftsmanship

The locket has a compact oval shape with softly scalloped edges that frame the design neatly. Both exterior panels carry detailed chased decoration with scrolling foliage and textured ground work, which gives the piece a rich surface and clear Edwardian character. Meanwhile, the interior opens to reveal a glazed compartment, designed to hold a photograph, lock of hair, or other small memento. The hinge and frame construction look fine and delicate, while the warm gold-toned metal gives the piece the mellow appearance often associated with pinchbeck or similar historical gold substitutes. Overall, the locket feels decorative, personal, and well judged in scale.

Why We Love This Locket

We love this early 20th century piece because it combines sentiment with strong visual detail. The engraved exterior gives it presence even when closed, while the glazed interior adds the personal function that makes antique lockets so appealing. At the same time, the scale looks easy to wear, which makes it practical as well as decorative. It will suit someone who values antique jewellery with history, symbolism, and genuine period charm.

Styling Ideas

This Edwardian family locket would suit someone drawn to antique jewellery, keepsake pieces, or sentimental gifts. Because of its neat size, it could be worn on a fine antique chain for everyday use or layered with other gold-toned pendants for a more collected look. It also works well as a meaningful gift, especially for someone who appreciates jewellery with personal significance rather than purely decorative appeal. Meanwhile, the warm metal tone makes it easy to style with both antique and vintage gold jewellery.

Key Features

• MATERIALS: Pinchbeck
• DIMENSIONS: Approx 35mm x 25mm.
• ERA/HALLMARK: Edwardian era.
• WEIGHT: 10.9g
• CONDITION: The locket is in good antique condition with light surface wear consistent with age and use. The engraved decoration remains clear, the glazed compartment is present, and the piece appears ready to wear. On close inspection, there are signs of age to the interior and surface, which are entirely in keeping with an early 20th century locket. As noted, the material appears to be pinchbeck or a similar gold-toned substitute, although this has not been confirmed by testing.

SHIPPING – UK ORDERS: Orders received before 11am Monday-Friday UK time will be dispatched the same day. This is via Royal Mail Special Delivery which is a fully tracked and insured service and will require a signature on arrival.

INTERNATIONAL ORDERS:
Please allow 1-2 days processing time. For orders under £350 we use Royal Mail International Tracked and Traced, with delivery around 7-10 days. For orders above £350 we use a door to door courier service with delivery between 3-7 days depending on location.

You will receive a tracking number for accurate delivery information. We are not responsible for any import duty or VAT on delivery, this rate varies in different countries so please get in touch with your local customs office for more information.

Our jewellery comes packaged in a beautiful black faux leather box and black branded gift bag.

RETURNS:
We do accept returns provided they are returned within 14 days from receiving the item. We will issue a full refund minus the shipping cost.

We will provide a return address and this must be returned at the cost of the customer using a fully insured, tracked and signed for service.

The item must be returned exactly as it was sent, unaltered and undamaged and in the original packaging. This must be marked clearly as a return, otherwise we reserve the right to deduct any import charges made to us from the refund on all international orders.

We do not accept returns on sale items or alterations including ring sizings.