Gorgeous sentimental micro carved locket circa 1800, the oval central domed glass containing  an intricately carved scene, against a ground of woven gold, and set in a rectangle of cobalt glass with gold framing.
The vestal virgin, standing beneath a tree, places roses upon the altar of love, a cherub flying just out of reach.
The plinth is decorated with gold wirework and pearls.
The locket closes by way of a padlock and key. The padlock was missing when I bought this piece, but the key was present. I managed to find a lovely padlock in the matching gold colour, although the key does not open it. (it clips open without any need for a key)
The back of the locket is set with a slab of bevelled edge glass, the silk beneath faded into a mysterious pattern.
 
At the top three fine gold chains converge at the wide gold bail which is stamped with a french mark, and looped through it is a faceted gold ring.
 
This is a thing of wonderous beauty! Fashions change and now high carat chunky chains are all the rage; but this piece is a piece of history, a lost art, unable to be reproduced, soon gone forever.
 
weighs - 24.5g
measures - 46mm x 35mm 
total length - 123mm (top to end of padlock)
padlock 14mm long
Excellent condition