Turquoise, Diamond and Enamel Serpent and Heart Locket Necklace

Created in the 3rd quarter of the 19th century, this turquoise, diamond and 15K gold locket necklace is likely English in origin. The highly flexible abstract-form serpent chain is articulated into bombé segments and bezel-set throughout with cabochon turquoise, highlighted by old mine-cut diamond terminals and joining a large gold ring with a naturalistic old mine-cut diamond leaf motif suspending a turquoise enamel heart surmounted by a diamond star flower centering an old mine-cut diamond, weighing approximately 0.40 carat, and edged with rose-cut diamond trefoils, the reverse opening to reveal a glazed locket compartment, engraved throughout with floral and foliate motifs.  This rare and superb period locket necklace with its sweet sky-blue Iranian turquoise and fiery old diamonds combines eternal symbols of passion and romance.