Georgian Diamond Locket Necklace

Circa 1820, a petite antique Georgian locket in a motif similar to the "Bague au Firmament" French love token jewel inspired by Louis VXI's devotion to Marie Antoinette. In this piece the black enamel border around the glass window on the front is set with rose-cut diamonds in sterling collets, originally the locket likely held a bit of woven hair.

The clear glass back panel is tension set and can be gently pried off to insert your own memento, a photo, gems or other small treasure.

Details: Measuring approximately 1" north to south including the jeweled bail, and 11/16" wide. We cannot estimate the diamond weight due to the type of setting, but they are natural rose-cuts, with a sweet sparkle. The body of the locket is 14k gold, the bail is silver and gold. Hung from a contemporary 17" 14k gold cable chain.

Condition: In excellent antique condition with a light patina and some slight wear to the enamel and tiny nibbles on the corners of the glass, but no obvious scratches or rubbing. This may have originally been a small brooch with the bail added later.

History: The "Bague au Firmament" or "Ring of the heavens", was a style popular in the late 18th century based on a ring originally designed for Marie Antoinette, gifted by her husband Louis XVI upon the announcement of her pregnancy with the future Dauphin of France. The motif features an enamel field, usually cobalt blue to indicate the night time sky, and rose cut diamonds set on the face to indicate stars.