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- Antique Edwardian Gold and Diamond Book Locket -- Presidential Family Provenance
Antique Edwardian Gold and Diamond Book Locket -- Presidential Family Provenance
Antique Edwardian Gold and Diamond Book Locket -- Presidential Family Provenance
Love, Legacy.
This one is for those of you who love books, history, sentimental jewelry, and a touch of sleuthing.
Hands down, this is one of our favorite Parisian finds. A gorgeous miniature “book” reveals itself to be a hinged, multi-page locket. The covers are a velvety, satiny gold, tipped at the corners with platinum. A diamond-shaped stylized monogram graces the front, set with twinkling rose-cut diamonds and millegrained platinum. Open the “book” to reveal pages engraved with four names and birthdates ranging from 1900 to 1914. There are additional pages to hold four images—complete with covers and removable frames. The book even has a satisfying snap-latch closure.
The locket is exceptional and very fine as a jewel, but it becomes truly remarkable in light of its provenance. From our research, we discovered that this piece is associated with Neptalí Bonifaz (1870–1952), a wealthy landowner and businessman who won the 1931 presidential election in Ecuador but never took office. In the aftermath of the election, Congress voted to disqualify him, igniting a brief civil conflict known as The War of Four Days.
Sr. Bonifaz and his wife Antonia Jijón had four children—María, Luis, Cristóbal, and Neptalí—and their names are inscribed in this locket. How charming that their surname is engraved as “Bonifaz Yyon,” with “Yyon” spelled in a French-influenced phonetic take on the Spanish “Jijón.” (We’ll resist the temptation to digress into Spanish naming conventions!) From the diamond-set monogram on the cover—AB—we are confident this treasure belonged to Antonia Bonifaz.
How did an early 20th-century jewel linked to a prominent South American political family make its way to Paris, waiting to be discovered 100 years later? We will never know for certain—but we’re so glad we were lucky enough to find it, and even more honored to share this historical and sentimental jewel with you.
Pieces of this quality, condition, and documented provenance are seldom offered for sale — a rare opportunity.
Chain shown is not included. See this locket paired with our Antique French Early 19th Century Gold Book Vinaigrette Pendant.
Unmarked, likely because it was a private commission; workmanship, style, inscriptions, and Paris discovery strongly support French origin.
18k gold, platinum, diamond.
Dimensions and weight:
● 29.4 mm long (including bail); 21.1 mm long (not including bail)
● 18.9 mm wide
● 6.8 mm deep
● 12 grams
Period: Edwardian/Art Deco (circa 1915)
*Please note that all dimensions and weights are approximate. Age-commensurate wear may be present.
*For deliveries outside of the continental U.S., please contact us for shipping information.
Love, Legacy.
This one is for those of you who love books, history, sentimental jewelry, and a touch of sleuthing.
Hands down, this is one of our favorite Parisian finds. A gorgeous miniature “book” reveals itself to be a hinged, multi-page locket. The covers are a velvety, satiny gold, tipped at the corners with platinum. A diamond-shaped stylized monogram graces the front, set with twinkling rose-cut diamonds and millegrained platinum. Open the “book” to reveal pages engraved with four names and birthdates ranging from 1900 to 1914. There are additional pages to hold four images—complete with covers and removable frames. The book even has a satisfying snap-latch closure.
The locket is exceptional and very fine as a jewel, but it becomes truly remarkable in light of its provenance. From our research, we discovered that this piece is associated with Neptalí Bonifaz (1870–1952), a wealthy landowner and businessman who won the 1931 presidential election in Ecuador but never took office. In the aftermath of the election, Congress voted to disqualify him, igniting a brief civil conflict known as The War of Four Days.
Sr. Bonifaz and his wife Antonia Jijón had four children—María, Luis, Cristóbal, and Neptalí—and their names are inscribed in this locket. How charming that their surname is engraved as “Bonifaz Yyon,” with “Yyon” spelled in a French-influenced phonetic take on the Spanish “Jijón.” (We’ll resist the temptation to digress into Spanish naming conventions!) From the diamond-set monogram on the cover—AB—we are confident this treasure belonged to Antonia Bonifaz.
How did an early 20th-century jewel linked to a prominent South American political family make its way to Paris, waiting to be discovered 100 years later? We will never know for certain—but we’re so glad we were lucky enough to find it, and even more honored to share this historical and sentimental jewel with you.
Pieces of this quality, condition, and documented provenance are seldom offered for sale — a rare opportunity.
Chain shown is not included. See this locket paired with our Antique French Early 19th Century Gold Book Vinaigrette Pendant.
Unmarked, likely because it was a private commission; workmanship, style, inscriptions, and Paris discovery strongly support French origin.
18k gold, platinum, diamond.
Dimensions and weight:
● 29.4 mm long (including bail); 21.1 mm long (not including bail)
● 18.9 mm wide
● 6.8 mm deep
● 12 grams
Period: Edwardian/Art Deco (circa 1915)
*Please note that all dimensions and weights are approximate. Age-commensurate wear may be present.
*For deliveries outside of the continental U.S., please contact us for shipping information.
