Mary Helena Daines Victorian Locket

THE STORY:

One of the best pieces we’ve ever had the privilege of finding—Mary Helena Dains, the original owner of this necklace, was photographed wearing it in a portrait dating back to the 1800s.

We’ve never had a piece come our way with a photograph showing the original owner actually WEARING the exact accessory. As we do, we always try and research each little piece of history that comes our way, and this locket was no exception!

Admittedly, we were hoping to find more history behind this family, but what little we did uncover is still special: the Dains’ were hairdressers in the town of Marlow in the 1800s. Her portrait was captured in a shop on 80 Easton Street in High Wycombe. From her memorial certificate, we know Mary Helena was buried in the Holy Trinity Churchyard in Marlow.

Maybe the most special part of this necklace is that whomever inherited this piece made every effort to preserve and catalogue its history—complete with their own makeshift boxes and numeric system to track each historic article that has remained with this locket for nearly 200 years.

A special necklace, that’s not only beautiful in design, but an even more special story to go with it.

Our greatest hope is that in telling its story, someone out there will appreciate and continue Mary Helena Dains’ life and history on in keeping her portrait with a necklace that’s now seen nearly two decades of life.

THE SPECS:

This sterling silver book-chain necklace and locket feature hand-engraved floral and bird design details on each link and front facing of the locket. This necklace measures 17" with a 2.5" drop from the clasp to the bottom of the locket. The locket measures 1.5" in width and 1.75" in height.

This pieces was originally made and sourced in England and has hallmarks for Birmingham, 1876.

*all photographs, original documents and elements of history with this necklace will be included with the purchase of this necklace.