1890s USA Onyx Wheat Stalk Photo Locket

This is a photo locket from the 1890s, USA. The main body is crafted from onyx, with 14k gold metal components and pearl embellishments. It was originally designed as mourning jewelry, but this particular piece has never been used and does not contain a photo or braided hair. Mourning jewelry emerged in eras when medical advancements and technology were less developed, and average life expectancies were significantly shorter, often half of what they are today. This type of jewelry allowed the living to keep a cherished memento of their departed loved ones close. In medieval Europe, death was a constant presence, and mourning jewelry of that period often depicted stark imagery like skulls or coffins. The 18th century saw a revival and surge in popularity. Mourning jewelry from this era moved beyond simply portraying the darkness and fear of death; by the late 18th century, emotions, whether familial or romantic, began to be expressed through more symbolic and even romantic styles. This photo locket features a simple oval onyx as its main element, adorned with an exquisitely detailed wheat stalk motif on the front. The design showcases fine craftsmanship and attention to detail, with pearls accenting the wheat stalk and some of its leaves. Wheat stalks carry beautiful symbolism of prosperity, abundance, hope, and new beginnings in both Eastern and Western cultures. Many major jewelry houses have drawn inspiration from the wheat stalk motif; for instance, besides camellias and quilted patterns, the wheat stalk is a design element with an even longer history for the CHANEL brand. BOUCHERON also boasts numerous classic pieces themed around wheat stalks, with the 1893 "Wheat Stalk Question Mark" necklace being a representative work. The locket is in good condition, showing normal signs of oxidation and wear consistent with its age. The interior has a lining, suitable for holding thin keepsakes like photographs. Please note that this is a century-old item and not a new product. Origin: USA Year: 1890s Material: 14k Gold Gemstones: Onyx, Pearl Dimensions: 5.3x3.5 cm Weight: 18.3g Condition: The photo locket is in good condition, with normal oxidation and signs of wear. The interior has a lining, suitable for holding thin keepsakes like photographs. Please note that this is a century-old item and not a new product. Purchase Notice: Antique jewelry refers to pieces that are "over a century old." Items less than a hundred years old are classified as vintage or second-hand jewelry. All jewelry sold by InChen Antiques comes with a brand certificate detailing the era, materials, and other specifics. We offer a no-questions-asked refund if the item does not match the certificate. Prior to sale, each item's condition is meticulously documented using photographic equipment to ensure our members are fully aware of any flaws or signs of use. As photographs form an integral part of the product description, we kindly request that members carefully assess their purchase intent before checkout. Once the checkout process is completed, due to the unique nature of the items we sell, we unfortunately cannot accept returns or exchanges for any reason, including flaws or depreciation. Therefore, we urge members to confirm their purchase intent thoroughly before checkout to prevent any disputes. Shipping Methods: Free shipping is offered for purchases of one or more items to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Japan. All shipments within Taiwan will be sent via Registered Post by the Postal Bureau. If registered mail is inconvenient, please specify convenience store pickup (7-11 or FamilyMart) in your order and provide the store name or code. Shipments to Hong Kong and Macau will be sent via SF Express.