Antique Enamelled Locket Pendant
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An unusual late 19th-century French gold and enamel locket, made in Paris around 1880 and modelled as a miniature Bible.The covers are decorated with vivid red guilloché enamel, the radiating starburst framed by finely engraved foliate borders. One side bears a raised Christian cross, while the reverse depicts a chalice and host, firmly identifying the little book as a devotional object. Even the spine and edges are engraved to imitate the binding of a miniature Bible.The small locket opens to reveal an oval compartment beneath convex glass, intended to hold a photograph, lock of hair, small relic or other personal memento. Its combination of religious symbolism and concealed compartment is characteristic of the highly personal devotional jewellery popular during the late 19th century.Made in high-karat gold, the pendant bears the French eagle’s head hallmark, denoting a minimum fineness of 18K gold and Parisian manufacture; the gold itself tests at approximately 21K.Measuring just 1.8 x 1.1cm and weighing 3.6g, it is particularly small and finely made, making it very easy to wear as an everyday pendant. The internal glass remains intact and the compartment can still be opened and used.In very good antique condition, with the enamel particularly well preserved for its age.Dimensions: 1.8 x 1.1cmWeight: 3.6gMetal: Approx. 21K goldOrigin: Paris, FranceDate: c.1880
An unusual late 19th-century French gold and enamel locket, made in Paris around 1880 and modelled as a miniature Bible.
The covers are decorated with vivid red guilloché enamel, the radiating starburst framed by finely engraved foliate borders. One side bears a raised Christian cross, while the reverse depicts a chalice and host, firmly identifying the little book as a devotional object. Even the spine and edges are engraved to imitate the binding of a miniature Bible.
The small locket opens to reveal an oval compartment beneath convex glass, intended to hold a photograph, lock of hair, small relic or other personal memento. Its combination of religious symbolism and concealed compartment is characteristic of the highly personal devotional jewellery popular during the late 19th century.
Made in high-karat gold, the pendant bears the French eagle’s head hallmark, denoting a minimum fineness of 18K gold and Parisian manufacture; the gold itself tests at approximately 21K.
Measuring just 1.8 x 1.1cm and weighing 3.6g, it is particularly small and finely made, making it very easy to wear as an everyday pendant. The internal glass remains intact and the compartment can still be opened and used.
In very good antique condition, with the enamel particularly well preserved for its age.
Dimensions: 1.8 x 1.1cm
Weight: 3.6g
Metal: Approx. 21K gold
Origin: Paris, France
Date: c.1880
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