Fresh looking, soft wear is noticeable only on close inspection. Silver setting has a bright patina with minor surface wear, no dents. Glass locket panel has fresh sheen with no chips or surface wear. Bale is secure and original. Niello is dense and bright without thinning or chipping. Shuts tightly with soft “snap”. 1 1/2 (excluding bale). Tests for Sterling Silver. Made by hand or in small groups of similar styles, vintage jewelry is individualistic with its own special story. Created by hand through Niello technique, face of locket becomes a canvas for uncommon and detailed hunting scene. Beautiful and rare design is matched by equally beautiful condition which showcases its charm. Oversized silhouette is solidly made with substantial weight and feel in your hand. Locket has a puffy cache laying dimensionally when worn. Niello designs are created by carving into a metallic surface (often silver) and then filling in the grooves with a black sulfur mixture. As a result, the design is typically black and silver and subtly textural, with a matte sheen. The technique allows a designer to create intricate scenes or unique patterns. Figural jewelry includes any piece that has been shaped into an animal, person, object, or detailed “day in the life” scene. Antique and vintage figural jewelry is often quite charming and collectible for the realistic or cutesy details. Specific objects or animals became popular and prolific in jewelry during certain time periods, Scotty dogs during the 1940’s for example, or swallow birds during the Victorian era. Figural jewelry is special for its detail and realism but also tells the story of the decade they were made in. _gsrx_vers_1326 GS 8.4.1 (1326).