An Antique Russian Gold Nugget (Samorodok) Locket Pendant

made in Moscow between 1882 and 1898

The rose gold locket is shaped as a shield with leaves on the sides. The field of the shield is skilfully finished to resemble a yellow gold nugget highlighted with an old European cut diamond.

Size 1 x 1 1/4 in. (2,6 x 3,3 cm)

Weight 13.3 g

Stamped on the back with 56 zolotniks gold Imperial standard (14 K – 583) with the arms of Moscow (St George slaying the dragon) and workmaster’s initials ‘AK’, probably for Alexander Kucherevsky owner of a jewelry workshop in Moscow, 1894-1898.

The interior is set with two miniature rose gold picture frames.