Antique 18K Gold Seed Pearl Key & Padlock Brooch · Victorian Love Token

An unusual antique gold key brooch decorated with seed pearls and a miniature padlock suspended from the centre.
 
The key is beautifully constructed with a trefoil-shaped bow outlined with seed pearls, additional seed pearls set around the central collar, and five pearls arranged across the stepped bit of the key. A small heart-shaped padlock hangs freely from the centre, complete with a tiny keyhole detail on the front.
 
The reverse reveals the wonderful construction of the piece, including the hinged pin fitting and the back of the suspended padlock. Both the key and padlock have been digitally tested as 18K gold. The piece is unmarked.
 
Keys and padlocks were popular sentimental jewellery motifs during the Victorian period, representing love, devotion and the idea of holding the “key to one’s heart.” The seed pearl decoration and construction are also consistent with late Victorian jewellery.
 
Details
 
18K gold – digitally tested
Unmarked
Seed pearl decoration
Antique key motif
Trefoil-shaped key bow
Suspended miniature padlock
Padlock with keyhole detail
Padlock moves freely from centre of key
Approx. 3.95 cm long
Approx. 1.78 cm wide
Weight approx. 3.5 grams
Traditional hinged pin fitting
Era: Circa 1880s–1900
Carefully packaged and shipped with tracking.
 
Thank you for considering one of our carefully curated pieces of vintage jewelry.