Story
Condition, aesthetics and authenticity speak volumes in this breathtaking antique French cherub motif slide locket.
Surrounded by tiny rose cut diamonds, the center round panel illustrates a winged cherub or angel cavorting with a garland of roses or flowers in raised gold. Textured and in relief, the scene is lyrical and buoyant.
Each rose cut diamond is placed within platinum. The remainder of this weighty locket is 18k yellow gold. Typical of French lockets of the period, it slides open to reveal a place to hold a photograph or memento.
Entirely hand engraved, the reverse displays two sets of initials, so elegant and ornate, they appear more like decorative elements. They are S & C (or E) and R and C. Also, a tiny name of Dele runs north and south. At the bottom, the numbers 1-1-1913 tells us the date this was likely gifted. From the Belle Époque, or Edwardian period (the English counterpart of the same era), this pendant is in near mint condition.
The photograph inside is easily removed, but we left this handsome gentleman as part of this locket's history.
Details:
Platinum
18k Yellow Gold
64 Rose cut diamonds
Total of .35 carats
Color K-L, SI1-2
Original diamond bale
Dated 1913
French