It Was In Every Victorian Jewelry Box — Now It's A Valuable Thrift Store Find

If you love finding valuable vintage trinkets, or are just getting started, items from the Victorian era (1837-1901) should definitely be on your list, and it's not brooches or pocket watches, it's Victorian lockets. They are not only beautifully decorated down to the smallest detail but also symbolize the dramatic (and often macabre) daily lives of people during the mid-to-late 1800s. Lockets were often used as precious keepsakes to remember loved ones by, only adding to the sentimental value of these thrifting gems. It could also be argued that Victorian lockets are lenses through which to see a snapshot of history.

The early days of Queen Victoria's reign reflected in jewelry through ornate, light-colored pieces with nature-themed designs, while black, gothic jewelry grew in popularity after the death of Prince Albert. The end of the Victorian era saw jewelry that was much more pared back but still detailed with engravings and gems. Consequently, lockets during each of these time periods within the Victorian era looked very different from one another. But amidst all the antique items in a jewelry case, how do you identify a real Victorian model? There are a few ways to do so. 

Finding a locket from Victorian times is an extremely exciting thrift goal, and one that can be achieved, so long as you gain knowledge about jewelry from this era and what to look for. Whether you shop online, at an estate sale, or in an antique store, Victorian Revival lockets will be the biggest obstacle to finding a real Victorian-era locket. For context, revival designs were produced in the early to mid-1900s. The 1970s were especially big on Victorian-inspired clothes and accessories, so there are a lot of ornate lockets that look like they're from the 1800s but are not. So, how can you tell if a piece is actually from the Victorian era (1837-1901)? Going to an antique dealer is the best way to authenticate your thrifting find, since they may be able to tell you the year it was made and the materials used. You can also take a recently purchased locket to a dealer to have it authenticated.

@vintage_jewelry_hoarder

Can't stop won't *ever* stop collecting Victorian era lockets 😍 my favorite part of these beauties are when they have engraved florals on the insides 🖤 Even better when they have their original glass inserts 🙌 I love seeing how many different materials and styles of lockets, and the variety of florals I can find. I even have a few books on the language of flowers to check the sentimental meaning of each piece. This isn't my entire collection but these are my favorites from it 💖 #vintagejewelry #antiquejewelry #locket #victorian #fashionhistory

♬ Cathedral Incense – Fatih Nizam

Some characteristics to look for as you browse include very ornate lockets reminiscent of Victorian architecture with gothic notes or nature-inspired, detailed embellishments. Any lockets with wear and tear could suggest age. If they appear handmade, they could be from the Victorian period, as many lockets were crafted by artisans during this time rather than mass-produced. Pieces that contain old pictures or locks of hair may be a sign of a locket used during a Victorian mourning period. Another way to tell is by price point. Lockets from the 1800s go for hundreds of dollars, while revival-style pieces are typically under $100, depending on the metals or gems  used.