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c 1800 Regency Era Mourning Locket of Enameled Silver browse these categories for related items... All Items: Estate Jewelry: Silver: Art Nouveau: Pre 1837 VR: item # 544926 GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear 56 Calle Monte Aplanado, NW Albuquerque, NM 87120 Phone: 505.205.1404 Guest Book $210 Free U.S. Priority Shipping (& Gift-Wrap if Desired) |
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Extremely well-crafted diminutive lockets were a feature of Regency fashion, as were enamelwork, neo-classical patterns and plumes. All these currents combine here, where a finely enameled Greek Key border surrounds an engraved peacock feather and eye motif at center. (The peacock was not only fashionable on headgear then, but also a symbol of eternal life.) A very early dating is further indicated by the plain window of beveled crystal on the reverse, through which we glimpse black fabric or very tightly woven hair held by a gilt retaining band of rope-twist design. I see no way to open this without popping up the glass (which seems to have incurred a teensy chip from exactly that process). Later lockets, as we know, have separate metal compartments that open to view enclosures. From later examples, we'd also expect hallmarks on any piece that required so much intricate craftsmanship, whereas there's no stamp of any sort on this silver. It looks like sterling, but may be a somewhat lesser European grade. An interesting mystery is the presence of a small incised line on the front that isn't part of the design, but looks intentional. Perhaps it was meant to be a mark of grief, detracting from perfection. Occasionally I get vibes off a piece of jewelry and this one is loaded with emotion. I feel it was first worn as a memorial jewel either by the person who made it or by someone of the same family. Measuring a dainty 1 inch by 1/2 inch, this rare beauty was probably meant to be a ribbon slide tied at choker length and it looks lovely on the black silken cord we found. You could of course wear it on a necklace or bracelet chain, if you prefer. Its condition is splendid, relative to age, and provenance is a Florida estate. There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking! |
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