Preliminary identification

Tru-Kay 14K Gold Filled Double Heart Locket, c. 1960s

Photo reference

4 uploaded photos

Overview

A classic heart-shaped locket featuring a 'bright-cut' engraved double-heart motif on a satin-finish background. Crafted from 14-karat gold fill, this piece represents the high-quality sentimental jewelry that…

Story

The 1950s and 60s saw a massive resurgence in sentimental jewelry as families sought tangible ways to stay connected in a rapidly changing world.

Maker / Origin

The 'T' mark on the reverse identifies this as a product of Tru-Kay, a firm founded in 1946 in Rhode Island, which was then the jewelry capital of the world.

Condition & Value

The locket is in excellent vintage condition with a crisp, functioning hinge and a secure clasp. There is very little of the 'brassing' (wear-through) typically seen on the edges of gold-filled items. The presence of the original paper insert is a major plus for collectors.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD

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