This magical beast, rendered in 18k gold, is called a Naga, a semi-divine being able to morph between human and serpent form. It maintained its serpent form while in my sight. I had almost expected it to move on its own with the articulated tongue, but it remained elegant and poised, its briaht emerald eves on me at all times.

I had the pleasure of documenting this fascinating creature last week!
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The locket is set with natural pearl and antique cut diamonds in silver. The enamel is is a mix of based taille (etched surface under green translucent enamel) and champlevé (white border).

It is both a pin and pendant with a bail you can swivel behind the piece to hide it. The T-Bar hinged pin and clasp are original. The back has a “receiving locket” to hold a lock of hair or fabric of a loved one. This does not automatically make this a mourning piece. Photographs were bulky, hard to come by, and expensive still at this time. So, memento items were often used instead for love tokens between friends, family, and lovers.

This circa 1870-90 locket came in for evaluation. The style emulates Victorian royal insignia. See image text for more design and history details.

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