This rare Victorian high-carat gold locket is exquisitely enamelled in the shape of an evergreen ivy leaf, symbolising fidelity in love and marriage.

The sides and back are delightful, the latter intricately engraved with branching leaves on a background of feathery curls.

But the icing on the cake is that this slim locket opens to a pierced hinged grille, revealing its surprising identity as a vinaigrette.

Ivy leaves were a favourite Victorian English design motif, and the engraving looks typically mid 19th century English too.

So it’s probably English and from between 1840 and 1860. (I’m grateful to my Instagram colleague @heartofhearts.jewels for her help in clarifying my thoughts about the age and country of origin.)

In more than 40 years in this industry I’ve never seen one like it – but I know there must be similar out there. Do any of you collectors or dealers own something like this?

The 18-carat foxtail chain is later but still antique. It works well with it, so I’m leaving them together.

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• Handmade in 18-carat yellow gold
• Approximately 2.5cm (nearly one inch) tall, 2.2cm wide, just under 4mm thick
• Chain is 17 3/4 inches (45cm) long
• Weight is 9.4 grams
• In excellent antique condition: there’s a tiny fleabite of missing enamel – it’s only visible under high magnification
• Will come in a Karen Deakin gift box

Please examine the photographs carefully – they form part of the description.

I’d be very happy to send more information and images. Layaway available.

I accept returns if you’re not delighted with your purchase.