Loving this chunky yellow gold MIZPAH locket, the front modelled in high relief, the M designed as the chunky branches of a tree. A banner weaves itself through the branches of the M, the letters on it spelling out the rest of the word.
Tree branches can symbolize growth and the interconnectedness of life, reflecting the deep connection between the people separated by the Mizpah symbol. 
The concept of a watchtower is about protection, and a tree's sheltering branches can also evoke this idea. 
 
The locket opens to reveal on the left an artfully coiled lock of hair under glass, ontop of what looks like opaline, (which can all be removed) and on the right and empty glass locket ready for your own photograph.
 
The yellow gold has been mercury gilded and has a lovely bloom.
It has a chunky tapered bail that will take a chunky or finer chain.
 
Measures - 31mm x 38mm 
Total drop including bail approx 50mm
Weighs - 20.95g
Bail - 13mm high
English circa 1870 - 1880
15 carat gold
 
In good antique condition
 
Mizpah is a Hebrew word for "watchtower" and also signifies an emotional bond of longing and remembrance between people who are separated. The term originates from a biblical story in Genesis, where Jacob and Laban, after a disagreement, built a heap of stones to serve as a witness and declared, "The Lord watch between me and thee". This phrase was later inscribed on Mizpah jewelry, often a heart or token broken into two, worn by separate individuals as a symbol of their enduring connection and the promise of God's watchful presence until they are reunited