Georgian Sentimental Lace Locket Pin c1780-1810

Beautifully made from 12kt gold, this sentimental lace pin is a glazed locket holding a lock of braided hair. The locket compartment is framed with beads of natural coral cabochons.

Made to hold lace in place at the throat, lace pins were often designed in a specific symbolic motif. Sometimes were mourning pins, with inscriptions or with lockets containing hair.   Although this locket contains hair,  it is a sentimental locket or love token.  The glazed lockeet is surrounded by coral, which the Georgian and Victorian populations considered to be a deterrent against both disease and evil. Coral signifies health and well-being. We have had similar engagement rings and other pieces symbolizing close relationships and strong friendships. These have contained locks of a loved one's hair as a remembrance when apart.

Measuring only a breath over 1"L and just 3/4"H, the pin is in exquisite, original condition. The pin back and c-clasp are in excellent working order; the pin shaft is long, extending beyond the framework of the pin itself, denoting an older piece of jewelry.  Worthy of museum exhibition, it is a tiny treasure from c1780-1810.