Locket Archive

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 144

January 29, 2024 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

The locket… a sentimental symbol of great joy or the deepest sorrow. Traced back to the 16th century, these decorative compartments could conceal every little thing from the most practical to completely whimsical. Ladies often placed a small perfume-soaked square of fabric inside her locket to ward off unpleasant smells.

Good luck charms like a four-leaf clover were sometimes held within a locket. Perhaps a pressed flower or a lock of hair might also be found inside. For the more eccentric or dangerous types, a small amount of poison could be carefully hidden for just the right moment. Queen Elizabeth I was the original initiator of keeping likenesses inside of a locket… in the 1500’s, this was a small hand-painted portrait; today, we could simply insert a favorite photo.

Shown from both the front and back sides, this late Victorian locket is made from sterling silver. The back side that rests against the chest showcases five English hallmarks and an intricately engraved bouquet of flowers… when flipped to the front side, multicolor enamel brings those blossoms to life. Centering on a voluptuous pink rose, this wildflower arrangement also boasts forget-me-nots, morning glories, columbine, hibiscus, lilies and cosmos. Bursting with vibrant hues of green, blue, white, yellow and pink – this piece is lovely.

The chain is every bit as detailed as the pendant. Eighteen inches long and half an inch wide, this link chain is bold. I love that the clasp is not hidden in the back, nor at the center where the locket attaches. Instead, the oversize spring ring is situated on the side, offering ease of use and a bit of playful charm. The locket itself measures 1.75 inches tall – an ideal size for treasured photos, a small note or whatever strikes your fancy. The deep green fabric inside is pristine, protected by a thin piece of plastic. Although this is not original to the piece, it is certainly useful.

Available now for just $475, this timeless treasure is sure to be beloved in your family for generations to come. Call today to make it yours.

“You can go to a musuem and look, or come to us and touch.”

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

What’s New – Volume 72

May 15, 2023 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and the Latest Things

Storage. Although it seems silly, adequate storage is an essential element of a well-organized, happy and healthy life. There are entire companies dedicated to storage – some address it from an efficiency standpoint while others prefer an aesthetic approach. Banks have vaults; houses and hotels are often equipped with safes. Potential home buyers and realtors alike spend countless hours comparing the amount, size and location of every closet, cabinet and cubby within each dwelling. Our clothes have pockets. We also have handbags, backpacks, wallets, fanny packs and luggage. Our vehicles are fitted with cargo space, trunks, consoles and glove compartments. Even some jewelry offers storage space… poison rings, lachrymatories and of course… lockets.

With two encased pockets, this locket is capable of holding photos, a handwritten sentiment or a lock of hair. This 14-karat yellow gold beauty was made near the end of the 1800’s in the Art Nouveau era. Polished to a rosy glow, it features an enameled periwinkle Vinca flower on the front side. One pearl is nestled in the center of the five petals and a second pearl marks a fresh bud.

The back side of the locket has been hand-engraved with a beautiful entwined monogram… the initials are VKS. Each of the inner chambers is complete with the framed protective cover. Larger than a quarter, this locket is ideally sized and perfect for photographs. Preserve a snapshot of your spouse, partner, child, parents, or fur-baby within this golden case. Perfectly priced at just $1,175.00 – this latest addition to our antique jewelry department is exactly the kind of storage you need in your life. Call us today to make it yours.

“You can go to a museum and look, or come to us and touch.”

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 108

April 1, 2020 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Perhaps one of the most beloved types of jewelry is the locket. Tracing its origin back to the Middle Ages, this descendant of the amulet is a treasured heirloom for many. Most early lockets were crafted from precious metal and featured a compartment often used for very practical purposes. Necessities like herbs and medicine were sometimes kept inside, some held a tiny piece of perfumed fabric that women held to their nose to protect from offensive odors – and rumor has it that a few even contained a small amount of poison!

By the 1600’s, lockets had evolved a bit and were primarily used as a memorial. A picture or lock of hair was often kept safe inside. The Victorian Era (1837-1901) brought us the version of this popular pendant that we know today. Tiny slivers of glass were fitted to each half of this hinged necklace to add a layer of protection to the treasured held within.

Joe’s Special Box offers a variety of these vintage beauties, each one more unique than the last. Here, we have a remarkable trio. First, from the late Victorian Era, is a mourning locket. Both the front and back are completely encapsulated in black enamel with a delicate seed-pearl accented design – priced at $1,375.00.

Next, is a heavily engraved yellow gold charmer. This botanical pattern features turquoise blue enamel flowers and vines. It is suspended from an authentic antique rolo-link chain and is available for $1,650.00.

And finally is this vision of bright blue loveliness. The front side of this piece is decorated with a floral spray. The tiny leaves are outlined with black enamel and miniature pearl blossoms. It slides on a silky smooth snake chain and is priced at $1,750.00.

If you’re sentimental like the Victorians were and have always wanted a keepsake locket, don’t let these pass you by! Call us at 1-800-747-7552 to purchase today.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Baubles, Bling and the Latest Things

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

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