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From our archive

Victorian Oval Mistletoe Locket

SKU

90-1-12341

This item has been sold

We maintain the Archive for research purposes only. Archive items have been sold and the sales price is confidential.

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ABOUT THIS NECKLACE

Welcome all kissers all year round when wearing this festive and wonderfully whimsical late-Victorian era jewel. Substantially crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, this thick and weighty oval pendant, overlaid in front with glossy green enamel mistletoe leaves dotted with white berries composed of lustrous pearls, opens up to reveal double glass enclosed display lockets currently occupied by a proud father and three children from yesteryear. A distinctively different late-Victorian/Edwardian era keepsake - circa 1890-1900. 1 1/2 by 7/8 inch. 18-inch chain.

Fun facts courtesy of Countryside Back British Farming:

The legend of mistletoe: Very few plants ripen in winter, so, as an evergreen with white berries, mistletoe stood out. Back in the days of the druids, it was used in pagan rituals, with many believing it had special powers.

The origin of its connection with love and kissing has a number of stories, one of which comes from a Norse tale concerning the death of Balder, a Norse god. He was the son of Frigg, the goddess of love and wife of Odin.

After dreams foretelling of Balder’s death, Frigga made every plant and animal swear to never hurt him, making him invincible, but the other gods entertained themselves by trying to kill him using a variety of weapons.

Loki, an evil god, realized that mistletoe had been overlooked in the vow making, so he contrived to make a weapon out of mistletoe and killed Balder with it.

Frigg’s tears then became the white berries and she decreed the plant should become a symbol of love, which is how the plant is linked to love and kissing.

Details

Materials:
18 Karat Yellow Gold
Length:
1 1/2 Inch with Bale, 1 1/16 Inch Locket Body
Width:
7/8 Inch
Height:
1/2 Inch
Chain Length:
18 Inch
Period:
Victorian
Gemstone Details Gemstone Details

5 Seed Pearls

Shape:
Button
Measurements:
3.30-3.50 mm
Color:
Light Cream

About Victorian Jewelry

The eclectic Victorians didn’t limit themselves when it came to motifs and themes—if it struck their fancy, they turned it into jewelry. Sweet and sentimental with a distinct romantic streak, Victorian gems expanded upon their Georgian predecessors. The array of styles that blossomed (sometimes quite literally) during this era endure to this day.

Jewelry Care

As with anything of value, especially sentimental value, taking good care of your vintage and antique jewelry from Lang will enhance its beauty and extend its lifespan. We encourage you to have your jewelry checked and cleaned by us or by your trusted local jeweler every six months, to ensure that each piece is in good wearable condition with all gemstones in place. It’s not uncommon for stones to loosen over time, and it’s much easier to tighten a loose stone than to replace a lost one! As stated in our Repair Policy, we strongly recommend that you allow us to perform any repairs, since our jewelers are specialists in restoring vintage and antique jewelry.

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