Antique Gold Filled Locket on Watch Chain Necklace

Antique Gold Filled Locket on Watch Chain Necklace

This beautiful necklace is actually an antique pocket watch chain long enough to be worn around the neck. The most beautiful chains come from this period, no one made them like the Victorian metalsmiths and jewelry companies. Most of these are at least hand assembled as the industrial machines of today were not around yet.

The chain pattern is quite lovely. A dense but delicate chain inter spaced with elongated flat oval stations. The chain is a bit shy of 1/8" and measures 18 1/4" long including the latch.  Please note there is no bar on the watch chain. The jump ring is marked "M. Double" and the initials G.F.  for gold filled. There is a considerable gold content on this necklace but not enough to be 10k which is the minimum standard for American Gold. Gold Filled metal is a precious metal.

The locket is lovely. Fairly large round shape with room for 2 photographs although there is only one complete frame. It is marked "W & H Co." as the maker. I have not been able to properly identify the company but I believe it is American. Locket measures 1 3/16" in diameter and displays a lovely 8 pointed star with a glass stone in the center. The stone appears dark as the practice of the time was to set stones against metal and not opened in the back. There is some sparkle in the stone when seen personally.

Both are in good to very good condition for their age. The clasp works well and the spring is strong but not difficult. There is a small area of darkening at the edge of the locket, it is due to regular wear and age but not obvious when worn. It is a real treasure, a very special necklace, very desirable.

SKU1786