Antique Georgian opal diamond and 18k yellow and white gold mourning locket with watercolor portrait circa 1820-1830. pdvc457

This exquisite mourning locket features a fine 10mm Australian opal weighing over 3 carats. Surrounding the opal is a multitude of tiny rose cut diamonds set in white gold. The front of the locket is enameled in black; there is some very slight damage to the edge of the enamel. The back of the locket is hand engraved 18 kt gold in an abstract design. There is some wear and slight denting to the gold. The hinges and clasp of the locket are in good working condition and inside a watercolor of a lady in black remains well preserved behind the original glass lens. This locket was very likely kept as a keepsake that was not worn as jewelry but kept as a memento of the deceased. Circa 1820-1830. The locket dimensions are 1 1/8 inch diameter and 10mm thickness when closed.