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Antique Victorian Silver and Niello Large Checkered Locket

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Details: This is beautifully executed checker patterned sterling silver and niello locket. The pattern is both at the front and back of the locket and the niello has a soft washed blue-black hue. This larger locket is functional with room for two photographs.

Niello is a black enamel-like mixture of copper, silver, and zinc sulfides that is used to inlay etched work and fired to a hardness much like enamel. The result is carefully buffed and shows a shimmery silvery blue-black hue that highlights the incised lines and is much more durable than traditional enamel. The ancient Egyptians and Romans were the first to use a form of niello decoration and it has been around in various forms for thousands of years.

Measurements: The total length is 2", including bale, and the width is 1 1/4".

Origin: Likely American, circa 1890's. 

Notes: Chain is sold separately.