Brass Locket with Floral Engraving (Early 20th Century)
Description
A round brass locket with finely detailed floral engravings on both sides, opening to reveal a compartment for photographs or keepsakes. Its design suggests European craftsmanship, likely from the early 1900s, when such lockets were both jewelry and cherished vessels of memory. The warm brass patina tells of age and gentle handling, adding to its authenticity.
Usage (Then & Now)
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Then: Worn close to the heart, holding the portrait of a loved one—often a soldier, as seen here with the included photograph of a uniformed gentleman.
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Now: A collector’s piece of sentimental value, perfect for display, or still wearable as a pendant carrying history and intimacy.
Obscure Lore
Lockets like these were often exchanged during wartime, serving as quiet tokens of devotion. Some even doubled as “mourning jewelry,” safeguarding hair or tiny mementos from the departed.
Modern Appeal
Today, the piece embodies nostalgia and romance, an artifact of personal histories told through metal and memory. It bridges jewelry and storytelling, making it as emotionally resonant as it is decorative.