This Art Nouveau-era locket, circa 1900, is a special treasure. A profile of an elegant woman is sculpted in low relief in gold, with a laurel wreath in her hair, against a ground of fresh green plique-à-jour enamel, evocative of stained glass. She wears diamonds in her hair and at her throat. Is she a mere mortal beauty or is she a classical goddess, perhaps Athena or Minerva? On the reverse, we see symbols of peace and wisdom — an olive branch and scroll.

This piece originates from turn of the 20th century Vienna, when Art Nouveau and related movements were spreading across Europe. It comes from the workshop of Josef Siess Söhne, a firm privileged to create works for the imperial court jewelers, as well as with/for members of the Vienna Secession, including Gustav Klimt and Joseph Olbrich, among others. An Art Deco emerald and diamond brooch from the workshop, an anniversary gift to the Baroness Clarice de Rothschild from her husband, is in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Locket opens and shuts securely. Original rim, without glass, is present.

Chain shown is not included.

Marked with Austro-Hungarian fox head for 14k gold/Vienna and master’s mark.

14k gold, plique-à-jour enamel, diamond.

Dimensions and weight:

●       30 mm diameter (41 mm total drop, including bail)

●       3.2 mm deep

●   14.4 grams

Period: Art Nouveau/Vienna Secession

*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.