Victorian Silver Locket on Beautiful Belcher Chain

The 1860s brought about a number of pivotal changes affecting nearly all matters of Victorian life both at home and abroad. What began as a decade of high hopes and promise for the future quickly dissolved into a period defined by death and grief. In England, the 20-year Romantic Period came to an abrupt end following the untimely death of Queen Victoria's beloved husband, Prince Albert. This devastating loss thrust not only the bereaved queen but also the country into a period of deep mourning. Meanwhile in the US, the first shots of the Civil War were fired setting up what would become America's bloodiest war culminating in 750,000 lives lost. With so much death surrounding every day life, it became even more important for women to have a personal reminder of their loved ones. Perfect for concealing a tin type or lock of hair, lockets became an important fashion accessory of the era. Also happening in the 1860s, the Comstock Lode was discovered in Virginia City, NV, opening up the