Skip to main content
Home

Main navigation

  • Free Appraisals
    • Get a Free Appraisal
    • View Appraisals
    • Local Appraisers
  • Classifieds
  • Blog
  • Shows
    • Antique Shows, Flea Markets, & Swap Meets Map
    • Upcoming Shows
User Menu
  • Login
  • Help
  • Register

Breadcrumb

  1. Home

Locket

Profile picture for user Meandmyking1
By Meandmyking1, 6 July, 2025
Description

Old locket 

Category
Jewelry and Gemstones
Medium
Silver
Condition
Fair
For Sale?
Yes
Photos
Profile picture for user Meandmyking1

Meandmyking1

3 days 23 hours ago

Silver locket

Silver locket

No votes yet
Profile picture for user NaidaTheCollector

NaidaTheCollector

6 hours 23 min ago

Vintage Silver Oval Floral Locket Necklace

Item Overview:

  • Type: Oval locket pendant necklace
  • Material: Presumed silver (composition not yet tested)
  • Design: Etched floral motif on a brushed silver surface
  • Functionality: Opens to hold two small photos or mementos
  • Chain: Matching metal chain (simple link design)
  • Condition: Fair (visible surface wear and light tarnish)
  • For Sale: Yes

Visual & Construction Analysis:

1. Exterior Design:

  • The locket’s brushed finish and hand-engraved floral etching suggest mid-20th century craftsmanship, possibly from the 1940s–1960s.
  • The etched flower pattern is modest and delicate, popular in post-WWII American and European jewelry.

2. Interior:

  • Standard two-photo oval recess with retaining rims (one present, one missing or displaced).
  • No visible markings inside or outside (from images) indicating metal purity, maker’s marks, or hallmarks—though these could be faint or located on the chain clasp.

3. Chain:

  • Appears to be a simple midweight silver-tone chain, which may or may not be original to the locket.
  • Without clear hallmarks, the chain is assumed to be either silver-plated or lower-grade silver alloy.

Authentication Notes:

  • Silver Content: While the finish and tarnish patterns suggest sterling or coin silver, actual composition would need to be confirmed via:
    • Acid test or electronic silver tester
    • Jewelers’ mark identification (if present)
  • Hand Engraving: The floral design appears to be hand-etched rather than stamped or cast, indicating a degree of craftsmanship.

Condition Notes:

  • The locket is intact and functional, but has visible scratches and lacks one of the internal photo protectors or rims.
  • Hinge and clasp appear to function, but may be slightly loose with age.
  • Finish would benefit from a gentle polish using a non-abrasive silver cloth.

Estimated Market Value:

Context

Value Estimate (USD)

General vintage costume market

$25 – $40

If tested and verified as silver (800–925)

$40 – $75

If sterling with artisan or designer hallmark

$75 – $125

Insurance replacement (sterling)

~$100

 

Your locket falls into the low to mid-tier vintage silver jewelry market, with potential upside if silver content is confirmed or provenance is discovered.

Recommendations:

  1. Authentication:
    • Take to a local jeweler for a silver content test (acid or electronic).
    • Check carefully for any hallmarks (often found along the locket rim or on the chain clasp).
  2. Resale:
    • List on platforms like Etsy, Ruby Lane, or eBay under "vintage silver floral locket."
    • Include dimensions, material test results (if available), and close-up photos of both sides and interior.
  3. Care:
    • Clean gently with a silver cloth; avoid chemical dips, especially near the hinge.
    • Store in a tarnish-resistant pouch if not being worn.

Conclusion:

This is a vintage silver-tone oval floral locket, likely dating to the mid-20th century. Its craftsmanship and condition suggest modest collectible value, with a possible boost if it tests as sterling silver. The locket’s sentimental appeal and wearability make it desirable in the vintage jewelry market.

No votes yet
  • Log in or register to post comments

Today’s Featured Blog

How to Start a Collection: Tips for Beginners

More Blog articles…

Recent Appraisals

  • Hand painted oval glass
  • Plates
  • Gold cross
  • Locket
  • Desk single pedestal and swivel tilt chair
  • Shell Cameo Brooch
  • Painting in Yosemite on canvas board
  • Lamp
  • Royal Munich Serving Bowl Bavaria
  • English Bench
See more appraisals…

Recent Appraisal Comments

  • Hand painted custom glass
  • I don't knw the history of…
  • Ornate Gold-Tone Cross Necklace
  • Vintage Silver Oval Floral Locket Necklace
  • Antique Single-Pedestal Oak Desk and Cane-Seat Swivel Chair
  • Antique Italian Carved Shell Cameo Brooch (c. 1860–1890)
  • Original Oil Painting by James D. Coleman
  • Art Nouveau/Art Deco Bridge Arm Lamp with Pink Ruffled Shade
  • Silver locket
  • Would like to know value and…

Recent Blog Articles

  • How to Start a Collection: Tips for Beginners
  • Beyond the Price Tag: The Hidden Factors That Influence Antique and Collectible Value
  • Beyond the Price Tag: Unlocking the Hidden Stories in Your Family Heirlooms
  • Antiques as an Investment: Beyond the Hype, What's Actually Worth It?
  • Is it Real or Just Really Old? Your Guide to Spotting Fake Antiques (and How to Protect Yourself)
  • Beyond the Dust: Unearthing the Stories Behind Your Antiques (and Why Knowing Matters)
  • Unlocking Time's Treasures: Your Essential Vintage Watch Value Guide

More Blog articles…

© 1995- InstAppraisal™, Inc. All Rights Reserved Worldwide
Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, Terms and Conditions, End User License Agreement