How do I open a vintage gold locket?

Most pieces operate on a snap hinge secured by a small thumbnail notch on the side or bottom edge. Gentle pressure applied opposite the hinge releases the cover. Avoid forcing stuck mechanisms, as the internal springs and hinges on antique gold can warp if strained improperly.

Are these lockets made of solid gold?

The listings include both solid nine-carat and eighteen-carat gold variations alongside rolled gold and gold-filled examples. Hallmarks or stamps on the inner rim often indicate the specific purity of the metal used. Items marked as back and front utilise solid gold for the visible exterior plates while employing alternative metals internally for structural strength.

How do I tell Victorian lockets apart from Edwardian ones?

Victorian pieces frequently lean towards heavier ornamentation, incorporating memorial motifs, deep hand engraving, dark enamel, and gemstones like garnets or seed pearls. They often reflect sentimental or mourning functions. Edwardian examples tend to display lighter, airier proportions with French Belle Epoque influences, brighter yellow gold, and delicate diamond or turquoise settings.