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ID #SA1018204
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Victorian Tortoiseshell Locket and Chain
Sold by Mitaine
sold SA1018204
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Mitaine

Mitaine

Sellingantiques Verified Since Nov 2018
Browse dealers 133 items
  • About Us
    Specialises in antique fine jewellery
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Id #SA1018204
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Victorian Tortoiseshell Locket and Chain

19th century
Sold by Mitaine
Sold 22 April 2026 · Mitaine
This “Victorian Tortoiseshell Locket and Chain” found a buyer.

It was listed by Mitaine. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Description

Beautiful Victorian tortoiseshell locket and chain circa 1880. In beautiful condition locket shuts well with original memorial picture within. Chain on open ring 48cms long, locket from top of loupe 6.5cms.

This unusual piece features a hand carved tortoise shell pendant that hangs from a large gold ring at the top and is connected to its original tortoiseshell chain. The rich tortoise shell varies in colour, with wonderful shades of deep brown marbled with amber and caramel hues on the chain the locket being darker. At the centre of the pendant is a raised 3-dimensional design resting above the smooth surface. The image depicts a knight overlapping set of initials (appearing to be "D.M.") that are textured with hand-carved detail. A beautiful and unusual Victorian piece, it is comfortably lightweight so is easy to wear.

This dates from the late19th century and there are many in museums. As shown below.

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/16824

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Orders placed by 12pm GMT will be dispatched within 25 hours.

If your order is under £500 but you require express shipping please let us know and we will add this to the order.

REFUNDS

Please contact us within 14 days of receipt of the item and a full refund will be given on its return.

Date of Manufacture

Mitaine has dated this Victorian Tortoiseshell Locket Necklace to the Victorian era.

Physical Dimensions
Height
6.5cm (2.56")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1018204
Description
Beautiful Victorian tortoiseshell locket and chain circa 1880. In beautiful condition locket shuts well with original memorial picture within. Chain on open ring 48cms long, locket from top of loupe 6.5cms.
“
This unusual piece features a hand carved tortoise shell pendant that hangs from a large gold ring at the top and is connected to its original tortoiseshell chain.
Mitaine

The rich tortoise shell varies in colour, with wonderful shades of deep brown marbled with amber and caramel hues on the chain the locket being darker. At the centre of the pendant is a raised 3-dimensional design resting above the smooth surface. The image depicts a knight overlapping set of initials (appearing to be "D.M.") that are textured with hand-carved detail. A beautiful and unusual Victorian piece, it is comfortably lightweight so is easy to wear.

fig 1. An oval tortoiseshell locket with a carved monogram and helmet motif, attached to a matching tortoiseshell link chain against a white background.
fig 1. Victorian Tortoiseshell Locket and Chain

This dates from the late19th century and there are many in museums. As shown below.

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/16824

SHIPPING

All orders will be posted with a full tracking and signed for service.

fig 2. An oval tortoiseshell locket with a carved monogram and helmet motif, attached to a matching tortoiseshell link chain against a white background.
fig 2. Victorian Tortoiseshell Locket and Chain

FREE DELIVERY on all orders worldwide.

Express Delivery is FREE on all orders over £500 GBP.

Orders placed by 12pm GMT will be dispatched within 25 hours.

If your order is under £500 but you require express shipping please let us know and we will add this to the order.

REFUNDS

Please contact us within 14 days of receipt of the item and a full refund will be given on its return.

Date of Manufacture

Mitaine has dated this Victorian Tortoiseshell Locket Necklace to the Victorian era.

Height
6.5cm (2.56")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1018204
Mitaine
Mitaine
Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2018

Specialises in antique fine jewellery

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Mitaine Profile Page

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An oval tortoiseshell locket with a carved monogram and helmet motif, attached to a matching tortoiseshell link chain against a white background. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
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Archive I An oval tortoiseshell locket with a carved monogram and helmet motif, attached to a matching tortoiseshell link chain against a white background. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Victorian Tortoiseshell Locket and Chain

Archive II An oval tortoiseshell locket with a carved monogram and helmet motif, attached to a matching tortoiseshell link chain against a white background. View II
Archive III An oval tortoiseshell locket with a carved monogram and helmet motif, attached to a matching tortoiseshell link chain against a white background. View III
Enlarged Archival View
Mitaine

Mitaine
Telephone 07940 113 228
Location
Gloucestershire
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/mitaineshop
Verified Since Nov 2018
Items For Sale 133
Items Sold 556
Mitaine
Mitaine
Verified Since Nov 2018
View Dealer Info
Location: Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/mitaineshop
Verified
Nov 2018
For Sale
133
Sold
556
An oval tortoiseshell locket with a carved monogram and helmet motif, attached to a matching tortoiseshell link chain against a white background.
Victorian Tortoiseshell Locket and Chain
Ref: SA1018204
An oval tortoiseshell locket with a carved monogram and helmet motif, attached to a matching tortoiseshell link chain against a white background.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectNecklaces
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialTortoiseshell
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsCarved monogram, Knight helmet crest, Interlocking link chain
  • SizeH 6.5 cm (3 in)

FAQs

Tortoiseshell jewellery gained immense popularity during the Victorian era, particularly following the death of Prince Albert in 1861, when dark, sombre materials became fashionable for mourning wear. Craftsmen carved and moulded hawksbill sea turtle shell into intricate lockets, brooches, and chains, often combining it with gold, silver, or pique work.

These items were constructed using genuine hawksbill sea turtle keratin, valued for its translucent amber and dark brown mottled patterns. The shell was heated, pressed into metal moulds or carved by hand, and assembled with linked chains, hinges, and glass interior compartments to hold miniature photographs or hair mementoes.

Authentic antique tortoiseshell exhibits natural variations in colour and translucency, often showing subtle grain lines rather than uniform synthetic patterns. Under magnification, genuine pieces may display microscopic tool marks from hand carving, and older specimens will feel warm to the touch compared to modern plastics.

In contemporary wardrobes, antique tortoiseshell acts as a neutral yet textural statement piece that complements tailored black garments, neutral knits, or silk blouses. For interior display, mount the necklace within a shadow box frame or place it inside a glass-topped jewellery tray on a dressing table.

Tortoiseshell is an organic material that is sensitive to heat, direct sunlight, and moisture, which can cause warping or fading. To preserve the piece, store it away from extreme temperature fluctuations, avoid immersion in water or chemical cleaners, and occasionally condition the surface with a micro-layer of mineral oil.
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