Victorian Sterling & 9kt Gold Niello Link Fob/Locket

Niello is the art of ornamenting metal surfaces that is thought to have originated with the Egyptians and spread throughout Europe in the Middle Ages. It is enamel-like substance made alloys of sulfur, copper, silver and lead and used as an inlay on engraved metal. A fob is an adornment or a seal that hangs from the ribbon or chain of a pocket watch. Its purpose is to decorate or add weight to the watch chain itself making it easier for the watch to be withdrawn from a pocket. A fabulous and ornate Niello fob from the Victorian (ca1880) era! This stunning piece is comprised of several sterling silver and Niello links! Each row of 3 Niello links is connected to the next by a row of 2, 9kt rose gold links and dangling from the bottom is a beautiful, square shaped locket with a single sparkling diamond bezel-set in its center. The locket is covered in a fantastic engraved floral print and is connected to the Niello links by a simple yellow gold ring. The locket opens to reveal 2 spots for