In 1860, the name "Elish" was a short form of Elizabeth. Alternatively, it may have Irish origins, where it's related to the name Eilish or Ailish, variants of Alice. Was "Elish" a woman dedicating a locket to another woman, "Lizzie"? At the time, this friendship may have been romantic as well, but it wasn't (necessarily) considered gay to engrave your feelings onto a gold heart for your BFF. On the reverse, one of the two is painted in a delicate portrait.
MATERIALS: 10k gold (tests), glass, portrait on ivory or velum, new 14k gold chain
AGE: c. 1860
CONDITION: Very good
SIZE: 7/8" length including the bale, 5/8" width