Victorian Black Onyx, Cameo & Mourning Hair Locket Necklace

A spectacular 14k yellow gold Victorian cameo mourning necklace with a locket compartment on the reverse that has a locke of dark blonde hair lovingly enclosed. The pendant and faceted round bead links are in black onyx, the cameo is a sardonyx hardstone and the seed pearls in this period will be natural. It is suspended from a 14k yellow gold long & short link onyx beaded chain. Circa 1860 - 1880s.

The carved black onyx pendant is 45.71mm in length by 34.41mm in width. It features an inset sardonyx hardstone 14mm by 9.5mm cameo of a left facing classical female profile in a gold bezel surround that is resting in the middle of pave' set seedpearl crescent moon.  The locket is cut into the onyx as an oval insert compartment in the back. The bezel frame is removeable with pressure needed to lift out of the opening. Inside the compartment is a coiled locke of dark blond hair that has a convex celluliod like dome top. 

The pendant is suspended on a 14k yellow gold 'long & short' link 'Y' shaped chain that has a triangular filigree center trim. The bottom link is stamped Krementz and the back of the trim there is an applied tag that is worn but a very faint 4 with what looks like a sideways W for 14k and possibly the mark for JR Wood & Sons. Both parts may also have been added as a marriage to the chain. Along the chain are six round faceted black onyx 5.3mm bead stations with filigree bead caps. An older spring ring clasp is on the chain but it appears to be an adition and gold filled. The chain however has been tested and is confirmed 14k gold. 

The sardonyx cameo is very nicely carved, well detailed and in high relief. It is in perfect condition with no chips. The half pearls in the crescent moon all appear original and have no cracks, chips or missing nacre. Some have that faint silver cast as can be found in Victorian pearls while some are more cream in color. The slight color variatopms are proof that the pearls are natural and were not bleached to match. 

Measurements: Measuring 18" in length for the chain length with the pendant extending 2 1/2" below the chain.

Condition: The necklace is in very good condition consistant with its age. From the back of the pendant there are three noticeable chips The largest is only 3.0mm the other two are much smaller) on the onyx with a few flea bites along the edges. The clasp is a replacement and noted to be gold filled.

Shipping: Ships in 1 to 3 days.