Stunning Victorian high carat gold oval locket, decorated to the front with two applied interlinked gold horseshoes, and through the centre a gold horseshoe nail, set with eleven lovely old cut diamonds.
The locket is mercury gilded, an art now lost, which gives the piece its matte, powdery feel.
The nails on the horseshoes and the tips, are polished up to add some contrast to the matt look.
The back of the locket is engraved with a fancy monogram, B.M. or B.H.
The locket hinges open to reveal two glass panels with photographs of a husband and wife. The hinge is so finely made to be totally invisible, and only a tiny notch on the right hand side is visible for opening the locket with a fingernail.
The closure clicks shut neatly and securely.
The tapered and curved bail is decorated with gold balls which give it an Etruscan Revival feel.
 
The horseshoe and the nail is a popular motif in Victorian jewellery design, symbolising not only luck and protection but also strength, stability, and resilience.
 
weighs - 30g
measures - 65mm x 38mm including bail
English circa 1860
High carat gold (15 - 18)
Total diamond carat - approx 1 carat
Condition - excellent antique condition. a couple of marks to the mercury gild.
I can remove the photos from inside and leave it empty or add some silk. Just let me know