Edwardian 9ct Gold & Pearl Heart Locket

A 9ct37.5% pure gold (or 375 parts pure gold and 625 parts other metals) back and front heart shaped locket with a split pearlNatural pearls are an organic gem formed inside live mollusc shells and come in all shapes and sizes. They are formed as the result of a natural irritant within the mollusc’s mantle and as a defence, layers of iridescent nacre form over the top of it, creating a pearl.  in the centre and hand applied gold wire work around it. Inside are two compartments for photos. It was made circa 1900-1910.