Lover’s Eye French Victorian Locket London Blue Topaz Saltwater Keshi Pearls & Sapphires Necklace - Victoria Necklace

I have been collecting antique silver lockets and mourning lockets for quite some time for their unique beauty and charming history. Because so many of them originated in Europe during the 1800’s, they are not as abundantly found here in the US. Additionally, I have recently been very enamored by what is commonly know as “Lover’s Eye” or miniature eye portraits. My fascination began when I found a slide bracelet that integrated several of the “Lover’s Eyes” into the design. As much as I loved the bracelet, the cost was truly astronomical and I passed on the opportunity to be the new owner. Antique “Lover’s Eye” lockets are quite expensive, ranging in the thousands of dollars for one. The history of how these came to be fashionable is not only very interesting, but endearing. Here is a link to my blog where the history of the “Lover’s Eye” is detailed - http://karensugarmandesigns.blogspot.com/2012/01/look-of-love.html Rather serendipitously, I came across a very talented artist who was willing to collaborate with me on incorporating new “Lover’s Eye” paintings into some of my antique lockets. The Victoria Necklace is the fourth result of that collaboration. A hauntingly beautiful hand-painted watercolor of a Lover’s Eye was recently commissioned to marry the charming folklore of it’s antique counterparts with a gorgeous French Victorian antique silver paste locket (935 silver / circa 1880). This stunning locket, unique with its magnified lens has generous paste stones, a paste stone encrusted bow and bail and is the perfect frame to showcase the very talented beauty of the eye art. However, there is a very unique surprise on the other side - a diminutive Napoleonic bee in 24k gold vermeil, floating in a sea of 2 carats of stunning blue sapphires. From the back side, you can also see the artist’s signature and date. The necklace of generous London blue topaz rondelles juxtaposed with silky ivory Japanese saltwater Keshi pearls and hand-coiled accents of checkerboard faceted champagne citrine - enhance the antique beauty of the locket. A combination of silver and gold, allows the owner to wear it with either preference. Size: 27” long / 4.5” drop / 1.32” diameter.