Before we opened this locket, we knew the title of this listing would be, "The Book of Life". Pure synchronicity when we opened it to find the giver's note inside reading, "Our Book of Life. - Love Forever MANFRED”.

Exquisite and replete with intricate embellishments, this is a larger than usual example of the book motif locket. Of 15k yellow, green and rose gold, it is most likely English in origin and dates to the early decades of the 19th century.

Highly realistic, the three color gold book has an edge resembling binding, and front, back and edges that mimic pages in a book. On one side is a hand engraved with life's cornucopia brimming with flowers and leaves, and many appear to be forget me nots.

The other side in hand is engraved with a shield shape, then surrounded by more flowers, flourishes and leaves. It closes with a hinged, old fashioned latch similar to those on ancient tomes.

The interior is plain but still contains the note. This appears to be a later note as it is not written in pen and ink although the paper quality is high and is certainly old given its condition and fibrous makeup.