Gold Embossed "Pet" Locket

[asmerri]

Hello Everyone! It's been a while since my last post. That work thing really seems to get in the way of detecting sometimes!

I went out with my new 13" deus coil today to see if I had possibly left anything behind at my POUNDED 1885 house site. I didn't find a lot but found a couple quality finds. Everything I found was 8+ inches deep do it makes since that the larger coil picked them up. I found my first holed coin (it was only a wheat), a no date buff, old suspender clasp and the find of the day was a small locket with gold edges, and gold letters saying "Pet". Surely this did belong around a dogs neck! I'm also assuming it's not someone's initials because all the letters aren't capitalized. And insight on what "Pet" may be? It was found around 10" down and the letting looks very old so I'm assuming it's 1800s...

This thing is brittle and very fragile looking. Does anyone have any tips on cleaning and preserving this piece so it doesn't deteriorate?

Thanks for looking!

 

[villagenut]

Once upon a time there were slang words that we just don't use anymore, "pet" was a word that many would give to their dearest friend, both in friendship and romantic implications. Could be similar to what we call "friendship bracelets",.... not that I have ever been given one.lol

 

[jewelerguy]

that's pretty cool. have you tried to open it? looks like it was 'gold filled' (which is a heavy plating process), and probably covered the entire locket, but often times that layer will deteriorate on the smoother surfaces leaving the appearance that only parts of it were plated. my guess is that it dates somewhere between the 1890's and 1920's. I tend to agree with villagenut that it was probably a loved one's nickname or such.

 

[asmerri]

that's pretty cool. have you tried to open it? looks like it was 'gold filled' (which is a heavy plating process), and probably covered the entire locket, but often times that layer will deteriorate on the smoother surfaces leaving the appearance that only parts of it were plated. my guess is that it dates somewhere between the 1890's and 1920's. I tend to agree with villagenut that it was probably a loved one's nickname or such.

I did somewhat open it. It wasn't hinging open smoothly so I didn't force it. I souls see that there is a glass plate on both sides both are still intact. Anything that may have been behind the glass has now been deteriorated though.
I think I would get slapped if I started calling my girlfriend Pet

 

[Lord Verdigris]

That's a cool find. I think it's fine now without a cleaning. I'm sure someone will have a good preservation tip for you soon!

 

[CaptainCoil]

Very nice locket!

 

[UnderMiner]

Yes, "pet" is an old term men used to bestow upon their wives or girl friends, usage began to die out around 100 years ago. Wouldn't be surprised if the word is a solid gold inlay maybe 14K.

 

[asmerri]

Yes, "pet" is an old term men used to bestow upon their wives or girl friends, usage began to die out around 100 years ago. Wouldn't be surprised if the word is a solid gold inlay maybe 14K.

Sweet! Still waiting to find my first solid gold.