14K Gold Victorian Celtic Animal Locket

This unusual 14k gold locket is rectangular in format and features two-engraved Celtic animals. On one side, there is a serpent whose body twists and folds over itself in a diamond shape; on the other side is a creature with the wings of a bird and the tail of a fish. Behind both animals is stippling that has accrued a nice patina that highlights the details of the engravings. The locket opens, and the work of the engravings can be seen through the other side of the gold. The original rectangular glass panels are still in place, held within gold frames; the glass panels can hold photographs and can pop out by pulling against the gold tabs. This is a one-of-a-kind piece from the Victorian era, unique in both its shape and its Celtic imagery. This piece is most likely from Ireland, circa the Victorian era.

The Celts honored nature through their belief that the material world is inhabited by divine beings, and that every mountain, tree, and body of water has a spirit. These spirits were often represented as animals with bodies that intertwine, similar to the Celtic knots that were an important part of the culture. The beasts on this locket could be worn for protection, as they seem to be powerful guardian figures.

The locket measures 7/8” x 11/16”, plus an additional 5 x 7 mm bail. It weighs 8.8 grams.

Sourced on a recent trip to London.