A wonderfully romantic antique 15ct gold portrait locket, dating to approximately c.1900–1915, featuring a beautifully modelled female profile embellished with tiny rose cut diamonds.
 
Originally created as a brooch, this piece has been thoughtfully converted by us into a pendant, preserving the original locket while giving it a new life for modern wear.
 
The front depicts an elegant lady in raised relief, her hair swept upwards in a style characteristic of the Art Nouveau and Edwardian periods. Around her neck sits a necklace set with four rose cut diamonds, with a further rose cut diamond set into a delicate star-shaped brooch upon her bodice - a wonderful jewel-within-a-jewel detail.
 
Idealised female portraiture was especially popular around the turn of the 20th century, with flowing hair and soft, curving forms recurring throughout Art Nouveau design. The star motif adds a lovely celestial element, traditionally associated with light, hope and guidance.
 
The locket opens to reveal the original interior and is clearly stamped “15C”. The gold has a particularly rich yellow tone and appears to have been finished with a higher-carat gold gilding; XRF testing gives readings of approximately 16ct gold, consistent with a 15ct piece with a richer surface finish. We have added substantial 14ct gold bails, allowing it to sit beautifully from a chain, clasp or charm holder.
 
It remains in lovely antique condition and snaps shut securely, with expected light surface wear, beautiful natural patination to the reverse, and minor traces where the original brooch fittings were historically soldered in place. These are visible from the back but do not detract from the appearance or wearability of the pendant.
 
A beautifully tactile little locket with bags of character - perfect worn alone or incorporated into an antique watch chain, Albert chain or charm stack.