In Georgian and Victorian mourning jewelry, pearls could stand for tears. They were often used around hairwork, miniatures, and memorial jewels, which this locket may have been. (We couldn't bring ourselves to remove the pic of someone's beloved dog from under the glass.) The double row of pearls is especially lovely.
MATERIALS: 10k gold (tests), 1.5mm, 2.5mm & 3mm seed pearls, glass lenses, base metal connection ring
AGE: c. 1820
CONDITION: Very good - minor surface wear commensurate with age and use
SIZE: 1 1/4" length including the bale, 1 1/8" width