Mourning Hair Book 9k Gold Pendant Locket Antique Victorian c1880.

Simply charming & unusual antique 9ct yellow gold double pendant locket in the form of a book which opens to reveal mourning hair inside dating from the Victorian period. At this time, as well as during the Georgian period, mourning jewellery was very important & followed strict rules. One only needs to think of Queen Victoria being in mourning for the rest of her life following the death of her beloved husband Prince Albert. Often a seed pearl detailing was used to join the lockets of hair of the lost loved one together, the seed pearls represent tears for the loved one. This locket contains a lock of brown hair & dark blonde, please see the pictures.
To the front you have an ivy leaf design, again this has meaning in the language of flowers which was also popular during the Victorian era. The ivy leaf has the meaning of fidelity, wedded love, affection & friendship. To the rear is a scroll which at present is blank but could be inscribed with initials if you wished by your jeweller.
The gold has been tested as there are no gold marks. Good hinge & the locket shuts securely, there is no clasp, there is no evidence of ever being one either, but when shaken hard it does not open. The corners of the book are very slight bent downwards, but this in my opinion does not detract. The hair behind the lens seems to be in good order but we have not opened. Good crisp detailing to the exterior, again please see the pictures.
Simply charming.
Size including bale 3.4 x 2.2 x 0.4 cm or 1.3 x 0.9 x 0.2 inches.
Weight 9.5 grams or 5.9 penny weight.