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American 19th Century Gold Rush 18ct Gold Oval Locket set with Gold in Quartz

922R
Rare Find
Written by Olly Gerrish

A fascinating 18ct gold oval shaped locket that was made circa 1860-1880. It has a mystical symbol of triangles on both sides set with gold quartz. Inside is a glazed compartment for a photograph. Gold in quartz was formed millions of years ago while the earth was still in its molten state. During the cooling and solidification process, veins of gold became trapped with the crystals of quartz in the mine. This created a very dramatic contrast between the white quartz and the yellow of the gold. The gold in quartz in this locket is especially beautiful, exhibiting a range of colours including milky white, grey, beige, and marbled with flecks of bright gold. The California Gold Rush of 1849 sparked an enthusiasm for gold quartz jewellery Enterprising goldsmiths in San Francisco selected particularly beautiful specimens of gold bearing quartz, sliced the white and gold gemstones into small slabs, and created striking pieces of jewellery. This locket is a good example of their craftsmanship.

Ollys Pick

A rare gold in quartz locket

Item Number
922R
Measurements
Height 2.5cm
From top of bale to base 3.8cm
Width at widest point 2cm
Central motif 1.7cm by 1.2cm at widest point
Materials
Date & Origin
Provenance
American
Hallmarks
Unmarked, tested to 18ct gold
Condition
Very Good
Discovered
3 years ago
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