This is more an English style c.1810-1830s mourning icon, nearly pristine but for the dislodging of some of the very tiny seed pearls which once spelled out the monogram of the loved one mourned within. Some remain, and they are super-tiny, from .5mm to 1mm. Worked on a superb plaiting of chestnut hair, not a gray among them so it was a young person, well under 30. The oyster-shaped form is typical of this type, as is the blue glass heavy mat on the other side. Only rarely do we find these that are not broken or cracked, or missing the hair art within. RARE to find! The front side for wear or display is also set with another hair art arrangement, a stand of wheat - harvested. And both the opaline glass upon which it is worked, and the larger cobalt blue glass are shimmers of color and fire, backed by the original patterned foil. Viewing it from angles, you can see what I mean. Mourning iconography: seed pearls represent the tears of the mourner. Harvest wheat represents the end of life, a harvest. The cobalt blue is that of the evening sky, or dusk in Heaven. Beautifully crafted throughout. I have not tested the gold. It will be 12k or below, and possibly filled. Will test and adjust listing.
Very good to excellent condition throughout. The bale seems to me to be off-set, perhaps it has been replaced or restored there. Nicely done, but just a touch off center to my eye. The glass cover on each side, and the cobalt blue glass, opaline glass are complete. The locket opens from back bottom, hinged at top. We opened for photos but did not disturb it further for fear of dislodging more pearls. Measurements are noted on our photos, as always.
