1890s French Checkerboard Niello Locket with Multiple Photo Compartments

This locket, originating from France in the 1890s, is crafted from sterling silver and embellished with niello decoration. It is designed to hold six photographs, without glass compartments. The rectangular locket boasts an elegant and generous proportion, entirely adorned with a finely detailed checkerboard pattern that lends a sense of modern linearity. The true ingenuity lies within its internal structure: three folding tiers allow for the storage of six photos, back-to-back. It’s a meticulously designed treasure box, perfect for housing cherished family portraits or a series of candid moments with friends. The piece is in good antique condition, showing normal signs of oxidation and wear consistent with its age. The surface exhibits uneven coloring due to varying degrees of oxidation, with more noticeable oxidation internally. The main niello decoration has only minor loss at the edges, with more apparent loss near the bail. Lacking glass compartments, it is suitable for photographs, paper, or similar flat items. As a century-old antique, it is not in new condition. About Niello: Niello is a metal inlay technique, typically involving carving a design into gold or silver and then filling the incised areas with a black mixture (often containing silver, copper, lead, and sulfur; the exact composition varies by artisan, making definitive confirmation impossible). After polishing, the raised metal retains its original color, while the recessed areas display a black finish. This technique has ancient origins, with early examples dating back to the Bronze Age around 1800 BCE, found on artifacts and daggers unearthed in Syria. However, many excavated niello objects have lost their black inlay over time due to burial, leaving the precise era and region of origin a subject of ongoing archaeological debate. Niello work exemplifies the resourceful use of varied metal scraps for decorative purposes, reflecting a time when materials were scarce and artisans worked with whatever was at hand. The application of niello varies geographically. For antique jewelry over a century old, Western pieces commonly feature geometric patterns such as checkerboards and horizontal lines. Origin: France Year: 1890s Material: Sterling Silver, Niello Dimensions: 3.7x1.8x0.7 cm Weight: 10.21g Condition: Good antique condition, with normal oxidation and signs of wear. The surface displays uneven coloring due to varying degrees of oxidation, with more noticeable oxidation internally. The main niello decoration has only minor loss at the edges, with more apparent loss near the bail. Lacking glass compartments, it is suitable for photographs, paper, or similar flat items. Purchase Information: 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 Xiang Cheng Antique Jewelry comes with a brand guarantee certificate, detailing the item's era, materials, and other specifications. Full refunds will be issued if the item does not match the certificate. Each item's condition is meticulously documented using photographic equipment before sale to ensure customers are fully aware of any flaws or signs of use. Photographs form an integral part of the item description. Therefore, customers are urged to carefully assess their purchase intent before checkout. Once the checkout process is completed, due to the unique nature of our products, we regret that returns or exchanges cannot be accepted for any reason, including minor flaws or signs of age. We kindly ask that customers reconfirm their purchase decision before finalizing their transaction to avoid any disputes. Shipping Methods: Enjoy complimentary shipping on any purchase when shipping to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Japan. Shipments within Taiwan are exclusively via registered post. If registered post delivery is inconvenient, please specify convenience store pickup (7-11 or FamilyMart) in your order and provide the store name or code. Shipments to Hong Kong and Macau are exclusively via SF Express.