Antique Victorian Silver Sweetheart Brooch

Antique Victorian British silver sweetheart brooch with beaded edge, typical of the Aesthetic Movement, dating from the 1880’s. The brooch is exquisitely engraved with a beautiful botanical design including roses and ferns that are partially decorated with rose and yellow gold. Reverse has an empty locket compartment which originally would have been glass or silver covered. Sweetheart brooches often contained hair or photos of loved ones. The brooch is not hallmarked but tests as silver. Condition: It is in very good antique condition with some vintage patina around the clasp and hinge. Normal signs of use or age including some tiny scratches on the brooch back, nothing serious. Pin is on a tube hinge and is secured by a C clasp. Pin and clasp work perfectly. 1.25” (3cm) in diameter.