Large Antique Art Nouveau Silver Locket, Birmingham, 1900

The years around the turn of the century were dedicated to splendor and beauty. Supported by the up-and-coming bourgeoisie, who had become wealthy during the long period of peace, studios and concert halls, department stores and salons experienced a boom. The joie de vivre of the time can also be seen in the fashion for jewelry. One of the major themes of Art Nouveau was the female figure. Especially in France, designers celebrated female beauty in countless pieces of jewellery. Her soft shapes and free-flowing hair were symbols of youth and life. This silver locket pendant celebrates this motif. We see a young lady depicted in relief on both sides. Anemones adorn her pinned-up hair. The figure is shown in a polychrome frame that lies on a martelized surface. The two lids of the locket can be moved towards each other to reveal a compartment that offers space for a lock of hair or a photo of a loved one. Thanks to the English Hallmarks, we can date the locket to the year 1900. We discovered it in the south of England.

Estimate:$769.25

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