Pearl Locket Necklace Appraisal

Vintage Mother-of-Pearl Locket Necklace

This item is a vintage locket necklace featuring a gold-toned chain and an oval-shaped locket. The locket appears to be constructed from a metallic frame, likely brass or gold-filled, encasing two distinct sides. One side of the locket is adorned with a polished, iridescent mother-of-pearl inlay, which exhibits natural variations in sheen and subtle hints of pink and green. Running horizontally across the mother-of-pearl is a decorative metal band, possibly engraved or textured, adding visual interest. The other visible side of the locket, which appears to be the back or interior, is a plain, circular, gold-toned metal surface, displaying some signs of age and tarnishing, indicative of a natural patina. The locket is hinged on one side, suggesting it can open to reveal an interior compartment, typically used for holding photographs or small mementos. The chain is a delicate, twisted or rope-style link, consistent with a 20-inch length as provided in the context. The overall condition shows wear consistent with age, including the aforementioned tarnishing on the metal and potential minor scratches on the mother-of-pearl. The craftsmanship appears to be of reasonable quality for a decorative piece, with the mother-of-pearl nicely set into the bezel. The style suggests it could be from the early to mid-20th century, a period when lockets were very popular. No specific maker's marks or signatures are discernible from the provided image, limiting precise identification of its origin.