Victorian Era Sterling Silver Heart Locket with Star-Set Paste Ruby
Jewelry - Locket · Likely a Birmingham or Sheffield workshop specializing in sentimental jewelry; often carries makers such as 'S.B. & S. Ltd' or 'W.H.H.', though the specific maker is not visible in this image.
Pattern: Traditional Victorian Heart Locket featuring a 'Star-Setting' or 'Gypsy-Setting' stone motif.
Type
Jewelry - Locket
Maker
Likely a Birmingham or Sheffield workshop specializing in sentimental jewelry; often carries makers such as 'S.B. & S. Ltd' or 'W.H.H.', though the specific maker is not visible in this image.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) with a red faceted paste (lead glass) or synthetic ruby; typical of mid-to-late Victorian commercial jewelry.
Dimensions
Estimated at 2.5cm width x 3cm height (including bail). Estimated weight: 4 to 6 grams.
Description
A classic example of Victorian sentimental jewelry, this heart-shaped locket represents 'true love' and 'constancy.' The red stone serves as a focal point, symbolizing the 'spark' or 'bleeding' heart, contained within a radiant star engraving.
Key Features
Red faceted stone, star-burst engraving, puffy heart silhouette, and V-shaped bail.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) with a red faceted paste (lead glass) or synthetic ruby; typical of mid-to-late Victorian commercial jewelry.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish surface with a centrally engraved six-point star surrounding a round-cut red stone. The back likely retains a smooth surface for personalized engraving.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Marks are typically located on the reverse or the interior rim. Based on style, it likely bears a Lion Passant (British sterling mark) and an anchor or Chester town mark.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped from two sheets of thin silver (hollow construction), joined by a flush hinge on the left and a snap-closure on the right.
Functional Features
Functional side hinge allows the locket to open; interior likely contains frames or bezels to hold two photographs.
Handle & Grip Details
Tapered V-shaped pendant bail (loop) attached to a circular jump ring, allowing it to hang from a silver chain.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial-age mass production featuring clean die-stamping with manual finishing on the hinge and stone setting.
Authentication Indicators
Construction style (hollow stamping), hinge design, and the type of faceted stone setting (star-cut) are all hallmarks of late 19th-century British silver production.
Origin & Manufacturing
Originating from the United Kingdom, most likely manufactured in the Jewelry Quarter of Birmingham.
Era & Period
Late Victorian/Early Edwardian (c. 1880–1910). The 'Star-Set' heart was a staple of 'Sentimental Jewelry' during this era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1890–1905, based on the specific aesthetic of the star-setting and the shape of the bail.
Cultural Significance
Lockets of this type were essential social accessories, used to keep a lock of hair or a photograph of a loved one close to the wearer's heart, especially during times of mourning or separation.
Condition Notes
Good antique condition. Visible surface scratching (scuffs) consistent with age and wear; small dent on the upper left curve; light tarnish in crevices.
Value Estimate
$60 – $120 USD, depending on the clarity of interior hallmarks and the presence of original glass photograph covers.
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish with a soft cloth and Wright's Silver Cream; avoid submersion in liquids as water can seep into the hollow interior and behind the gemstone.
Similar Pieces
Puffy silver hearts with turquoise beads (common in 'Aesthetic Movement' jewelry) or engraved floral scroll lockets.
Interesting Facts
The heart was the most popular jewelry motif of the 19th century, particularly after Queen Victoria wore a charm bracelet featuring a heart for each of her children.