A dainty beauty, this completely intact little antique 18k gold locket, French marks, is just 7/8" in diameter, plus 1/2" of stem and bale, made like a little watch. Beautiful crafting by some goldsmith we can't name, it has a sturdy hinge and clasps well. The little convex glass cover should have been cleaned before my photos, and I apologize - it will be sparkling before being put away. There is no damage. The backside is a deep convex round of either deep blue glass, or perhaps a lower grade sapphire (I have no ability to test it and will assume it is colored glass, but the quality of the locket seems it could certainly be more). It is loose once the locket is opened, and yet firmly in place when locket is closed - be careful when it arrives and you open it. This is by design, as the presence of a plaiting of hair or a tiny photo will be all it takes to fill it and of course the blue convex plaque is made to mount into the back half of frame, does so very well. When I got this one, it had a tiny and very old photo of a pyramid - someone's Grand Tour souvenir? I will include it, but I think you'll prefer to fill the locket with something very special to you, instead.
Very good to excellent condition throughout. The piece is petit, as noted, so our photos are quite enlarged for your review of every detail. Begs a little gold chain and a precious something of your own - lock of hair of your baby? A tiny photo you cherish. I can see tiny punch marks on appropriate places for French gold marks but I can't seem to capture it for you. A tiny eagle's profile, guarantee for 18k gold. I'd guess it dates mid to late 1800s. Found in France.
