Scarce Victorian Aluminium Locket & Collarette

Circa 1880's, a piece inspired by what we now call the Aesthetic Movement; an eye-catching antique locket and book-linked chain in a shiny white base metal which we believe to be Aluminium or a derivative. The lightest loveliness, Aluminum was classed as a precious metal for several years. There was much interest in new metals and alloys during the Industrial Age and this piece dates from that time. 

'The existence of aluminum oxide was postulated by Sir Humphrey Davy in the early 19th century, but it took until 1854 for Henri Sainte Clair Deville to successfully produce a commercial grade material. He caused a sensation at the Paris Exhibition of 1857 with a few aluminum articles. Aluminum was classed as a precious metal for several years, even though derived from clay. The first kilogram made by Deville in 1854 was priced at 3000 francs. Thereafter the cost fell dramatically -- 1500 francs in 1856, 400 francs in 1859 and by 1891 it had dropped to 20 francs.

The metal is extremely light and doesn't tarnish, could be worked by casting but was resistant to soldering. Initially pieces were riveted, but by the 1860s, aluminum was mounted in gilt metal. It is hard to find aluminum jewelry from the 1860s-1870s when it was more popular than gold.'  Collector's Weekly. 

Utterly captivating! A romantic yet modern buckle design to the locket to 'fasten' your precious memories to you, this piece is a scarce find and one of great interest. The whole length to the chain measures 18 inches and it fastens with a gorgeous chunky bolt ring onto which the locket measures 2.5 inches including the bale.