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Antique French 18k, Platinum & Diamond "Mignon" Locket

Sale price$6,500.00

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Details: This ravishing Art Nouveau lady graces a fantastic example of French repoussé work; a true masterpiece. Rendered in buttery 18k gold and framed by tiny rose cut diamonds set in platinum, this lovely locket depicts a young female playing the lute. "Mignon"is also a term of endearment, loosely translating to "darling." 

The locket appears to depicts a scene from the French opera “Mignon” which debuted in France in the 1860's. On the reverse of this lovely locket, two sets of monogramed initials and the the engraving "6 Enero, 1913" revealing that it was likely a love token.

The art of repoussé is ancient; but the term is French, meaning "to push forward." It describes the meticulous process of hammering metal from the reverse side to create a raised design on the front and requires a master craftsman to render the graceful work. During the French Art Nouveau period (c. 1890-1915) repoussé work was especially esteemed for the painstaking labor required to create a seemingly natural, effortless image. This was a time when art pushed back hard on all things mechanically produced.

Measurements: The locket meassures 1.25" across, and hangs 1.6" from its bail. The locket is a slim .15" thick. 10.4g

Origin: French, c. 1910, engraving done in 1913.   

Notes: Chain is sold separately.  

Antique French 18k, Platinum & Diamond "Mignon" Locket
Antique French 18k, Platinum & Diamond "Mignon" Locket Sale price$6,500.00