Victorian Onyx Mourning Locket
An immaculate onyx mourning locket dating from the Victorian period; the latter half of the 19th century, circa 1860. Carved from a single piece of black onyx, the reverse features an oval locket compartment and the front a gold ivy leaf studded with seed pearls. The chunky gold bail is set with further seed pearls and features black enamel lines, and the locket remains paired with its original tooled leather presentation box branded with the details of Hall & Co. Goldsmiths & Diamond Merchants, Manchester.
As for Hall & Co., an 1887 article from the Manchester Guardian (23rd August) affords some context:
"We regret to announce the death which took place somewhat suddenly on Sunday evening at his residence, Bramhall Lodge, Stockport, in the 84th year of his age, of Mr John Hall, late senior partner in one of the two oldest firms of gold and silver smiths in this city, Messrs John Hall and Co., of King Street. Mr Hall was born in Manchester in 1804. Nearly sixty years ago he commenced business with Mr William Hatfield as a silversmith, watchmaker, and jeweller in their present premises in King-street, the firm being then, and for some years afterwards, known as Messrs Hatfield and Hall. Subsequently, Mr Hall took into partnership Mr William Wilson in the ironmonger business, and the firm, in that department, became known for a time as Messrs Hall and Wilson; ultimately becoming what it is now - Messrs John Hall and Co. The deceased gentleman enjoyed a reputation in Manchester as a gold and silver smith of the very first rank, and before his retirement from business is said to have amassed a large fortune. In acts of private benevolence he was an exceedingly generous giver, both in the neighbourhood of Manchester and of Stockport. He never took any prominent part in public affairs, but was well known as a warm supporter of the Liberal party in politics. For some years Mr Hall had been, in addition to his business in King-street, a partner in the firm of cotton spinners and manufacturers - Messrs. Hall, Poole, and Co., of the Adelphi Mills, Salford. Mr Hall was well known to most of the residents on the Anglesea side of the Menai Straits by his long residence at his picturesque house, Min-y-Garth, near Garth Ferry, midway between Menai Bridge and Beaumaris."
Era: Victorian, circa 1860
Size: 5.5cm (including bail) by 3.1cm
Stone: Onyx and Seed Pearl
Marks: None, tested as 18ct gold
Condition: Great antique condition. We are not responsible for the photograph of Queen Victoria...
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This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable).
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain).
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Condition
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