What is a puffy heart pendant?

A puffy heart is a hollow, inflated heart-shaped jewel constructed from two convex gold halves soldered together. They frequently feature blue or red enamel and seed pearl star motifs. Victorian makers often inscribed these hearts with messages or dates, making them popular tokens of remembrance and affection.

How do I identify a locket?

Lockets contain a hinged compartment or a glass-backed section designed to hold miniature portraits, photographs, or locks of hair. They operate with small clasps or snap closures hidden within the pendant frame. Many examples function as both brooches and pendants, allowing the wearer to attach them to chains or pin them to garments.

What is guilloche enamel?

Guilloche is a decorative technique where metal is engine-turned with precise geometric patterns before transparent enamel is applied over the top. The underlying engraving shows through the coloured glass layer. This method was widely utilised across Victorian and later nineteenth-century pieces to create depth and shimmer on pendants and lockets.

Are these pieces made of solid gold?

The listings include items fashioned from various purities, ranging from 9ct and 14ct to 15ct, 18ct, and 22ct yellow and rose gold, alongside silver and gold combinations. Hallmarks and acid testing generally confirm the metal standard used by the workshop. Lower carats offer greater durability for daily wear, while high-carat versions present a richer yellow tone characteristic of period items.