Victorian Large Enamelled Silver AEI Eternal Love Locket

A beautiful large Victorian locket in silver and black enamel studded with twinkling cut-steel marcasites. The front bears the monogram AEI standing for Amity, Eternity and Infinity - though some believe AEI may be the Greek word aei which means always and forever, conveying the same typically morbid/romantic Victorian sentiment of eternal love conquering death. The inside is gilded and contains a reproduction Pre-Raphaelite portrait in one side but you could easily insert your own pictures.

The chain in the photos is not included.

SIZE: 5.3 x 3cm.

WEIGHT: 23.4g.

MATERIALS: Silver, enamel, marcasite.

HALLMARKS/STAMPS: There's a non-UK mark, possibly an Austro-Hungarian silver stamp, on the bail.

CONDITION: Very good antique condition with fully working hinges and a nice snappy clasp. The locket has been cleaned but not overpolished. The enamel is in great condition, there is light overall surface wear and a few very tiny nibbles on the bail when seen under magnification. A couple of the marcasites are vacant but they're very hard to spot, even when looking for them.

ERA: Victorian (c.1837-1901).

Antique and vintage boxes photographed are for display only and are not included unless stated in the description.

Please be sure to examine all the photos carefully as they form part of the description, and do feel free to ask if you have any questions, we’re always happy to help where we can!

EU and Northern Ireland deliveries, please be sure to read the GPSR section on our Useful information page.