Victorian Silver, Sapphire, Pearl & Cherub Enamelled Locket

This amazing, large, antique, possibly French, solid silver hinged locket is a fine quality and superbly crafted piece and probably dates to circa 1880. It features a beautiful, hand-painted and enamelled oval miniature, finely decorated with two playful cherubs collecting flowers, with the girl holding a bunch in her dress. The miniature is bordered with two rows of small, violet-coloured sapphires (71) along with a single row of seed pearls (36) in between, and the hanger is set with a large marquise-cut sapphire in the centre, bordered with four small ones and four seed pearls. The back of the locket is beautifully hand engraved with various decorative patterns, and when opened, features two oval framed, felt lined inserts, for treasured photos (one has glass). There is a tiny piece of enamel missing towards the bottom and a small sapphire missing along the rim, otherwise this fabulous locket is in great condition and still retains the original gilding inside. Oval in shape, it measures 3,6cm x 4,8cm (6,8cm with hanger) with a width of 1,3 cm, and a weight of 28g.