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- Antique Art Nouveau Gold and Enamel Gibson Girl Question Mark Locket
Antique Art Nouveau Gold and Enamel Gibson Girl Question Mark Locket
Antique Art Nouveau Gold and Enamel Gibson Girl Question Mark Locket
Alluring, Intriguing.
A beautiful woman, a hidden symbol, and a world of possibilities! We love antique jewels with an unexpected twist, and this wonderful American Art Nouveau gold locket is a particularly captivating example.
Crafted in 14k gold, the locket features the profile of a woman rendered in low relief, reminiscent of the iconic “Gibson Girl,” who embodied the “New Woman” of the era — confident, educated, and increasingly independent. Her fine features — wide eyes, rosy cheeks, and bowed lips — are rendered in enamel. Her hair, dressed with a rose-cut diamond band, is long and abundant — piled high and trailing down in curves. Look closely and you'll see that her profile and tresses form the shape of a question mark! The design is at once intriguing, playful, and unmistakably Art Nouveau.
The question mark's sinuous curve is a wonderful expression of the whiplash line, a signature characteristic of Art Nouveau design. Inspired by the flowing forms of nature, the whiplash brought movement, femininity, and sensuality to the decorative arts. Here, that quintessential Art Nouveau flourish becomes something more philosophical: a question.
And what might that question be? I'm thinking of you, are you thinking of me? Or perhaps something entirely different — suggesting curiosity, mystery, and the anticipation of all the possibilities that await. We have a particular fondness for the question mark motif in jewelry, and we love the playful way this symbol has been incorporated into the image of the Art Nouveau maiden.
The locket opens to reveal two compartments with their original frames and covers for photographs or other small keepsakes. It snaps shut securely.
Chains shown are not included.
Marked 14k inside. Hand-engraved monogram on the back. Hand-etched Roman numerals are visible inside, possibly old inventory notations.
14k gold, enamel, diamond.
Dimensions and weight:
● 38.6 mm long (including bail)
● 30.2 mm wide
● 6.6 mm deep
●10.4 grams (with frames, but without covers or other contents)
Period: Art Nouveau (early 20th century). This locket is almost certainly American in origin, its design and craftsmanship consistent with jewelry made in Newark, New Jersey, the center of fine American jewelry manufacturing during this period.
*Please note that all dimensions and weights are approximate. Age-commensurate wear may be present. We have removed the photographs found with the locket and replaced them with satin, but will include the photographs with the purchase. The original early plastic covers have yellowed with age. The enameled woman is securely riveted to the locket, although there is the slightest movement when touched, consistent with its construction.
*For deliveries outside of the continental U.S., please contact us for shipping information.
Alluring, Intriguing.
A beautiful woman, a hidden symbol, and a world of possibilities! We love antique jewels with an unexpected twist, and this wonderful American Art Nouveau gold locket is a particularly captivating example.
Crafted in 14k gold, the locket features the profile of a woman rendered in low relief, reminiscent of the iconic “Gibson Girl,” who embodied the “New Woman” of the era — confident, educated, and increasingly independent. Her fine features — wide eyes, rosy cheeks, and bowed lips — are rendered in enamel. Her hair, dressed with a rose-cut diamond band, is long and abundant — piled high and trailing down in curves. Look closely and you'll see that her profile and tresses form the shape of a question mark! The design is at once intriguing, playful, and unmistakably Art Nouveau.
The question mark's sinuous curve is a wonderful expression of the whiplash line, a signature characteristic of Art Nouveau design. Inspired by the flowing forms of nature, the whiplash brought movement, femininity, and sensuality to the decorative arts. Here, that quintessential Art Nouveau flourish becomes something more philosophical: a question.
And what might that question be? I'm thinking of you, are you thinking of me? Or perhaps something entirely different — suggesting curiosity, mystery, and the anticipation of all the possibilities that await. We have a particular fondness for the question mark motif in jewelry, and we love the playful way this symbol has been incorporated into the image of the Art Nouveau maiden.
The locket opens to reveal two compartments with their original frames and covers for photographs or other small keepsakes. It snaps shut securely.
Chains shown are not included.
Marked 14k inside. Hand-engraved monogram on the back. Hand-etched Roman numerals are visible inside, possibly old inventory notations.
14k gold, enamel, diamond.
Dimensions and weight:
● 38.6 mm long (including bail)
● 30.2 mm wide
● 6.6 mm deep
●10.4 grams (with frames, but without covers or other contents)
Period: Art Nouveau (early 20th century). This locket is almost certainly American in origin, its design and craftsmanship consistent with jewelry made in Newark, New Jersey, the center of fine American jewelry manufacturing during this period.
*Please note that all dimensions and weights are approximate. Age-commensurate wear may be present. We have removed the photographs found with the locket and replaced them with satin, but will include the photographs with the purchase. The original early plastic covers have yellowed with age. The enameled woman is securely riveted to the locket, although there is the slightest movement when touched, consistent with its construction.
*For deliveries outside of the continental U.S., please contact us for shipping information.
