Vintage-Style 14K Yellow Gold Embossed Floral Oval Locket with Wheat Chain
Pendant (Locket) with Wheat Chain · Yellow Gold with a warm, slightly reddish-amber patina consistent with aged 14K or gold-filled brass.
Purity: Likely 14K (585) or Gold-Filled. 14K contains 58.5% pure gold alloyed with copper and silver for durability.
Type
Pendant (Locket) with Wheat Chain
Purity
Likely 14K (585) or Gold-Filled. 14K contains 58.5% pure gold alloyed with copper and silver for durability.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold with a warm, slightly reddish-amber patina consistent with aged 14K or gold-filled brass.
Weight
Total weight approx. 8-12 grams. Lockets are typically hollow to allow for interior photos, reducing melt value compared to solid items.
Description
A classic oval locket featuring a highly detailed embossed floral motif. The central flower is surrounded by smaller blossoms and scrolling acanthus leaves, providing a romantic, antique aesthetic. It hangs from a durable wheat chain that complements the textured surface of the pendant.
Key Features
High-relief floral embossing, functional hinge for two photos, and the complex Spiga chain which is less prone to kinking than standard links.
Color & Finish
Deep warm yellow; matte/satin base with high-relief embossed floral details; significant dark patina in recessed areas to enhance the design.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually found on the bail or the internal frame of the locket; likely '14K' or '1/20 12K GF' indicators. None visible in external photo.
Dimensions Estimate
Locket: Approx. 25mm x 18mm (Large size); Chain: Approx. 18-20 inches long, 1.5mm width.
Gemstones & Inlays
None present; the piece relies on repoussé/embossing metalwork with a prominent central hibiscus-style flower and scrolling foliage.
Clasp & Closure
Standard lobster claw or spring ring for the chain; the locket features a side-hinge and a pressure-snap 'click' closure.
Chain & Links
Wheat chain (Spiga) style; circular or teardrop links intertwined to form a braided appearance; high flexibility and strength.
Craftsmanship Details
Likely die-struck or stamped rather than hand-carved; the symmetry of the flowers suggests a manufactured mold with a professional chemical wash for the antique finish.
Authentication Indicators
The color consistency suggests solid gold or high-quality gold fill; a 'red flag' would be any peeling on the edges showing base metal (brass), which isn't immediately visible.
Origin & Maker
Likely mass-produced in Italy or the USA (common for these styles); no specific maker’s mark visible to identify a boutique designer.
Era & Period
Modern Retro / Victorian Revival; while the design mimics Art Nouveau/Victorian floral motifs, the bail and chain suggest late 20th-century production.
Age Estimate
Produced circa 1980–2010 based on the crispness of the stamping and the style of the bail and chain.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of sentimentality and privacy; lockets remain one of the few jewelry types designed specifically to hide personal artifacts from public view.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The surface shows light oxidation/tarnish consistent with age. The hinge appears straight, and the closure looks secure.
Value Estimate
If solid 14K: $450-$650 retail; If Gold-Filled: $45-$85. Value is driven by the purity and current spot price of gold.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid ultrasonic cleaners if photos are inside; use a soft gold polishing cloth for the raised surfaces while leaving the patina in the grooves for contrast.
Similar Items
Victorian 15K original hand-engraved lockets (heavier, more expensive) or contemporary 14K laser-engraved lockets (flatter, less detail).
Interesting Facts
Lockets reached the height of popularity during the Victorian era as 'mourning jewelry' or tokens of love to carry hair or portraits of distant relatives.