1870s English Victorian Acorn Locket

This locket from the 1870s Victorian era in England is crafted from the alloy Pinchbeck. The oak tree has long been associated with mythology and power. In Norse mythology, it is the sacred tree of Thor, the god of thunder, while in ancient Greece, it was considered the holy tree of Zeus. As the seed of the oak, the acorn symbolizes hope and potential. Though small and firm, it holds the possibility of growing into a towering tree, representing growth, resilience, and the future. In 19th-century England, the acorn was cherished in both royal and popular culture. The legend of Charles II hiding in an oak tree became the symbol of the "Royal Oak," representing loyalty and protection. The acorn was also seen as an emblem of family continuity and royal succession, frequently appearing in coats of arms and jewelry designs. These symbols resonated with the Victorian era's emphasis on "virtue," "family foundations," and "personal cultivation," making the acorn a highly popular natural motif in jewelry design. The piece artfully depicts a full-bodied acorn and leaf, opening to hold cherished mementos, blending beauty with function. About Pinchbeck: Pinchbeck is an alloy of copper and zinc, mixed in specific proportions to achieve a visual effect akin to gold. It was invented in the early 18th century by London clockmaker Christopher Pinchbeck as an affordable alternative to 18k gold. However, this alloy gradually fell out of use after the purity of 9k gold became legally recognized in England. The item is in good antique condition, showing normal signs of age and wear consistent with a century-old piece, not a new item. Origin: England Era: 1870s Material: Pinchbeck alloy Dimensions: 3x1.9x1.6 cm, bail 0.6 cm Weight: 4.92g Condition: Good antique condition, with normal oxidation and signs of wear. Item Number: NV044_2503 Important Notes: Antique jewelry refers to pieces "over one hundred years old." Items less than a century old are classified as vintage or second-hand jewelry. All jewelry sold by Xiangcheng Antique Jewelry comes with a brand certificate detailing the piece's era and materials. A full refund will be issued if the item does not match the certificate. Each item's condition is meticulously documented with photographic equipment before sale to ensure customers are aware of any defects or signs of wear. As these photographs form part of the item description, customers are asked to carefully assess their purchase intent before checkout. Due to the unique nature of the items sold by this brand, we regret that returns or exchanges cannot be accepted for any reason, including defects or wear, once the checkout process is complete. Please confirm your purchase intent thoroughly before checkout to avoid disputes. Shipping: Enjoy "complimentary shipping on any single jewelry purchase" for Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Japan. All shipments within Taiwan will be sent via registered postal mail. If registered mail is inconvenient, please specify store pickup (7-11 or FamilyMart) in your order and provide the store name or code. Shipments to Hong Kong and Macau will be sent via SF Express.