DATE: Victorian, c.1880

This charming smaller scale AEI locket is Victorian, dating from the latter half of the 19th century. The letters are emblazoned onto the face in the form of a monogram, rendered in red, white and blue enamel respectively. Inside, the two locket compartments contain impossibly intricately woven locks of hair from two people, copper and auburn in colour. The back is beautifully engraved with ivy leaves over an abstract foliate background.

Amity, Eternity, Infinity. The AEI sentiment was popular throughout the Victorian period as a representation of eternal love conquering even death. This is my favoured interpretation, however some suggest the AEI references the Greek word "aei", meaning for now and forever. They essentially amount to the same thing.

MEASUREMENTS 

2.5 x 1.8cm

WEIGHT 

4.6g

MARKS 

No marks present, tests as 9k gold back and front

CONDITION 

Excellent