Antique Victorian Wightman & Hough Co. (W & H CO.) 14k 1/4 Gold Shell Locket
Antique Victorian Wightman & Hough Co. (W & H CO.) 14k 1/4 Gold Shell Locket
This beautiful Victorian gold locket is a very special piece. Comprised of ¼ gold shell, defined as meaning that 1/4 of this locket's weight is actual solid gold, compared to gold fill. 1/4 gold shell also means that there is five times as much gold in this locket than in gold fill, which industry standards dictate to be 1/20th of the total weight of the piece. The other notable detail is how almost impossible it is to find a locket of this era without an engraving. What could be better than a perfect blank slate to have your own intials, or a loved ones, engraved into it.
The Wightman & Hough Company of New York City began in 1856. Known as “America’s premiere locket house” by 1914, the company specialized in rolled gold, gold filled and ¼ gold shell jewelry as well as cigarette cases and other fine objects.
You can read more about the fascinating history of the Wightman and Hough company here
Please note, dark patches and shadows are reflections from the room and not flaws in this impeccable piece.
Wightman & Hough Co. (W & H CO.) 1/4 gold shell locket marked W & H Co., inside of a heart and 1/4 gold shell for having 1/4 of it’s weight being solid gold, opposed to gold filled, bonded to brass
Length 33mm including jump ring, which measures 6.5mm (When fully open the length measures 53.5mm)
Width 23.5mm
4.72 grams
Easily engravable, for an additional fee, please inquire
All jewelry and objects listed under “Vintage Jewelry” have been fully inspected, tested, gently polished and are in exceptional used condition. While always keeping in consideration the age, functionality and past life of all pieces, know that I want you to be just as elated as I was when I found them, so please, don’t hesitate to ask for more information, additional photos, or any other details, before making your purchase.