Locket thumbnail 1
Locket thumbnail 2
+6
images
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Jewellery, Rooms 91, The William and Judith Bollinger Gallery

Locket

ca.1840 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The message of love intended by this jewel is expressed in its heart shape and also by its form of a padlock and key. The padlock reflects the convention suggesting ‘you have the key to my heart’. The sentiment is further reinforced by the choice of coloured stones, which have initial letters that spell ‘REGARD’: ruby, emerald, garnet, amethyst, ruby and diamond. This arrangement of stones was also popular in ‘regard’ rings. The pendant opens to reveal a panel of woven hair under glass.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Gold, turquoise, ruby, emerald, garnet, amethyst and diamond
Brief description
Locket, gold and turquoise, set with gemstones spelling the word 'REGARD', England, about 1840
Physical description
Locket, gold and turquoise, set with ruby, emerald, garnet, amethyst, ruby and diamond. These stones spell REGARD.
Dimensions
  • With chains and ring height: 6cm
  • Width: 2.4cm
  • Depth: 1.3cm
  • Chain with a key length: 8.7cm
Credit line
Given by Gerald Harris, in memory of his wife, Sylvia
Subjects depicted
Summary
The message of love intended by this jewel is expressed in its heart shape and also by its form of a padlock and key. The padlock reflects the convention suggesting ‘you have the key to my heart’. The sentiment is further reinforced by the choice of coloured stones, which have initial letters that spell ‘REGARD’: ruby, emerald, garnet, amethyst, ruby and diamond. This arrangement of stones was also popular in ‘regard’ rings. The pendant opens to reveal a panel of woven hair under glass.
Collection
Accession number
M.6-1986

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Record createdFebruary 11, 2003
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