Antique Victorian brooch pendant locket. 14k gold, enamel, pearls, diamonds. Made in England, Great Britain circa 1890's.
Comes in antique fitted box. Unisex - suitable for a man or a woman.

Measurements: Weight is 6.7 grams. Approximately 1 inch (2.5cm) top to bottom (excluding pearl protrusions).

Description : Victorian versatility and romance. Heart shaped front, back, top, bottom. This very pretty little jewel can be worn as a brooch or a pendant and it also includes a hidden locket at the back. The heart is a rich, blue color, reminding us of a Kashmir sapphire with its velvety, glow. It is bordered by a white enamel mount with crimped gold on either side and gold dots stationed every few millimeters. Adjacent to each gold dot, on the side of the heart, a little pearl protrudes outwards.
The middle of the blue heart is set with a heart shaped ring of pave set rosecut diamonds and a larger pearl in its center. It is very likely that this is the original, natural pearl.
The back has a broad, heart-shaped gold border, enclosing a heart-shaped locket that can contain the hair or portrait of a loved one.
A sturdy hinged pin with c-clasp. A hinged bale can be opened to wear as a pendant or folded over when worn as a brooch.
Comes in a fitted leather, gold embossed box made especially to contain this brooch. The name embossed in the silk lining of the box is Joseph Heming & Co Jewellers & Silversmiths, beneath a crown. The crown indicates that there is a royal connection or royal patronage. The shop at 28 Conduit St London W.

Marks and Metal: No marks. Gold was acid tested to ensure metal purity.

Condition: Good with very minor wear commensurate with age. Box also in good condition. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.

THE STORY: Heart shaped jewelry was popular with the Victorians who were great gift-givers. Surely the original lady who owned this brooch was given it as a gift. She and her daughter and her daughter, down the line for generations, wore and enjoyed it as a small, but elegant accessory to a blouse or cloak. They clearly loved and looked after it very carefully as it is in great shape and still in its original fitted box, which helped take care of it over the generations. The warmth and loving intention of the gift may have been romantic, but it fits the love between Mothers and their children just as perfectly.
We have owned similar brooches in other colors, but the blue is possibly the most beautiful, versatile and elegant of them all.
Joseph Heming & Co was a London based jeweller and silversmith, established in 1890. Advertisements of his jewelry from the 1890's can be found. The name was changed slightly when they became LTD in 1912, so this brooch is clearly made before then.