Please note, chains are for display only unless otherwise stated.

A strikingly beautiful Art Nouveau locket dating to the Art Nouveau era 1890-1910 depicting a winged Cherub in full flight.

Crafted from 14ct gold which has been *bloomed to give a higher carat matt yellow gold finish typical in jewellery of this era.  Designed as a large 3.2cm x 3.2cm Heart shaped opening locket with two internal compartments both which retain their original internal Heart shaped frames and early plastic panes.

The wonderful Cherub is in raised relief, three dimensional and finely detailed with realistic wings, curls, bow and arrow, and well formed facial features and let’s not forget his cute derrieré!

To the rear compartment there are monogram initials in highly stylised script, we believe they are ‘JPC’.

A larger than oft seen locket, and substantial in weight at over 11 grams, this fine Art Nouveau piece looks incredible on your favourite chain or worn with a lush velvet ribbon!

“Cherubs/Cupids have been a prevalent theme in art, jewellery, sculpture and literature since ancient times, evolving into depictions of plump, winged children in late Christian inspired Art. Often found in antique jewellery, cherubs, along with hearts and roses, embodied the Romantic Movement, conveying messages of love and sentiment.  Articles such as jewellery with depictions of Cherubs conferred in unspoken words ‘I love you’!”

HISTORY OF BLOOMING

Blooming, a popular finishing technique for karat gold jewelry from 1870 to 1890, was first documented in 1853. The means for creating a bloom finish involved dipping a karat into a boiling mixture of hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid), saltpeter (potassium nitrate), salt and water. This process burned off any alloys on the surface resulting in an alloy-free, thin layer of soft, pure gold on the item.

(Credit: Lang University)

STONES
None

MEASUREMENTS
Heart measures 3.2cm x 3.2cm
Drop with bale - 4cm

ERA
Art Nouveau 1895-1910

WEIGHT
11.21 Grams

MARKS
None
Tested as 14ct gold

CONDITION
Very very good antique condition.  Front cherub compartment is lovely, no dents or impressions, minor marks to blooming only.  Rear monogrammed compartment has two minor impressions only.  Opens and closes perfectly.  Inner compartments and early plastic panes are both present and easy to remove and replace if a photo is inserted.  Minor marks to internal frames only, these are in un-bloomed rose gold.  Original oval top ring shows some signs of thinning however does not need replacing at this stage, plenty of wear left, and an easy and inexpensive job if and when needed, noting for accuracy only.  A stunning Art Nouveau era locket.