Edwardian Guilloché Enamel & Diamond Locket Necklace

A phenominal antique locket necklace circa 1910, crafted in 14k gold with a bright yellow hue. The chain itself is an extravagant affair with curved marquise-shaped links alternating with stations enameled in velvety purple and creamy white. The locket has a Neo-classical flair in the acanthus leaf border and ionic scroll motif on the cover, framing a purple guilloché enamel field, and a bright old European-cut diamond accent.

The back of the locket is engraved with a posy of flowers, the engraving reveals rose-tinted gold as it's chased into the bloomed surface. Blooming, otherwise known as depletion gilding, was a process that involved dipping the piece in a boiling acid mixture which burned off any alloys in just the very surface layer of the gold. By thus creating thousands of infinitesimal pits in the surface, the matte sheen of pure unalloyed gold was achieved.

Details: The necklace has a chain length of approximately 21 1/2", with an additional 1 3/4" pendant drop of the locket from the center station. The locket itself measures 1 1/4" in diameter and opens to reveal space for two photographs, retaining one of the orginal photo frames. The chain is not marked for gold content but professionally tests to 14k, the locket is marked 14k on the inside edge. Total necklace weight 39.7 grams.

Condition: In excellent antique condition with minimal wear to the enamel, no scratches or chips, a light antique patina and a couple of slight dimples along the edge of the locket, on the back cover.

History: While the chain and locket are a perfect match we acquired them separately: the chain was found several years ago and the locket recently this last spring. I like to think they are thrilled to be reunited, and imagine they'd have some stories to tell about their adventures over the past 100 or so years.