Victorian Sterling Silver Mizpah Hand Engraved Locket

Circa the Victorian era, this sterling silver locket combines beautiful hand engravings and the touching sentiment of the phrase “mizpah,” a biblical reference to a prayer asking for protection for two people who are separated. Mizpah jewelry was popular during the Victorian era, as well as World War I, and was worn as a way to express devotion to a loved one who was far away. One side of the locket contains the phrase written in block letters in a shape that makes a diagonal slash. There is something very sweet about the spacing and slight imperfections of the lettering, and we find it to be the most charming aspect of the piece. On the reverse side is a beautiful scrolling foliate. The locket has a nice patina that highlights the hand engravings. The word mizpah can be worn face up, but when worn face down, the word is placed closer to your heart. 

The locket opens and shuts with a secure click. The glass is missing from the inside of the locket, but a piece of plastic or thick cellophane could be used to hold a picture in place. 

The locket measures 1” x 13/16”, not including the 1/4” loop and large 6.8 x 10.5 mm bail. It weighs 6.08 grams. Unmarked; acid tests as sterling silver. 

Pictured here on our Vintage Sterling Silver 24” Open Link Chain by Brother Wolf available in our shop.