A Much Cherished Family Heirloom By RachelReviews on Jul 27, 2009 - Updated Oct 15, 2011

This belonged to my great-grandmother, Rose. She passed quite a long time ago; may she rest in peace. I will always have this charm to remind me of her, and will know she, herself, wore this on a chain around her neck everyday.

This piece is so special because it belonged to a very special person. Yet if it did not belong to her, and I found it in an antiques shop, I still would find the locket to be intriguing because of its appearance. It has a circular shape with a lot of volume to it. It is not one of those flat lockets. It is either made from gold or brass. I can't tell which.

I really like the swirly etching allover the front and back of the outside of it. It has a very distinctive shamrock or club-shaped latch where the chain goes through. This multi-purpose latch allows the locket to remain closed, but it is also the key to opening it. By pressing down on this part, the locket springs open exposing 4 plates. The 4 plates can hold 4 photographs.

In my estimation, the locket could be around 90 years old (Maximum). Knowing this, I think it is in great condition. I like to think that great-grandma Rose is happy in heaven, knowing I am keeping her locket safe.