Filigree Locket Value Guide

This mid-century American filigree locket features a delicate floral openwork design, reflecting a transition from Victorian pomander traditions to modern sentimental jewelry. Produced between 1940 and 1960, these pieces are highly collectible for their intricate metalwork and historical use as portable fragrance or portrait carriers.

What affects the value of Filigree Locket?

• The integrity of the delicate filigree wirework, as bent or broken petals significantly reduce the $50-$70 valuation.
• The condition of the plating; pieces with minimal 'brassing' or wear to the gold-filled surface command higher prices.
• The presence of original interior components, such as the photo rims or the original fragrance-holding mechanism.
• The functionality of the clasp, ensuring the locket snaps shut securely without gaps.

How to Identify Filigree Locket?

• Check for a circular metal frame featuring a raised, pierced filigree flower pattern on the front cover.
• Look for 'Gold-Filled' or 'Silver-Plated' stamps on the interior rim or the bale, indicating US manufacturing standards of the 1940s-60s.
• Verify the presence of a functional hinge and an internal compartment designed to hold a small photo or a scented cotton insert.
• Examine the metal for the characteristic patina of mid-century base metals, which differs from modern high-polish alloys.

History of Filigree Locket

Lockets have been cherished keepsakes for centuries, often holding sentimental value as miniature frames for portraits or mementos. Fragrance lockets, also known as pomanders, gained popularity in the Victorian era as a discrete way to carry solid perfumes or scented cotton, offering a personal touch of fragrance during a time when hygiene practices were evolving.