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- Antique Early 20th Century Splendid Gold and Diamond Book Locket
Antique Early 20th Century Splendid Gold and Diamond Book Locket
Antique Early 20th Century Splendid Gold and Diamond Book Locket
This one is for the those of you who love books, history, sentimental jewelry, and sleuthing.
Hands down, this is one of our favorite discoveries from our recent trip to Paris. A gorgeous miniature “book” is actually a hinged, multipage locket. The covers are a velvety, satiny gold, tipped at the corners with platinum. A diamond-shaped stylized monogram graces the front, in twinkling rose cut diamonds and millegrained platinum. Open the book to reveal pages engraved with 4 names and birthdates ranging from 1900 to 1914. There are additional “pages” to hold 4 images — complete with covers and removable frames. The book even has a snap latch closure!
The locket is exceptional and very fine as a jewel, but it is even more remarkable due to its provenance. From our research, we discovered that this locket is associated with Neptali Bonifaz (1870-1952), a wealthy landowner and businessman who won the presidential election in Ecuador in 1931, but never took office. (In the aftermath of the election, the Congress voted to disqualify him, which led to a military conflict known as the War of Four Days).
Sr. Bonifaz and his wife Antonia Jijon had 4 children, whose names (Maria, Luis, Cristobal, and Neptali) are inscribed in this locket. How charming that their surname is engraved as “Bonifaz Yyon”, with “Yyon” perhaps an alternative spelling (and phonetic equivalent) to “Jijon.” (We won’t dive into the conventions of Spanish surnames here)!
How did this locket come to be in Paris? We will never know for certain, but we are so glad we are lucky enough to bring this treasure to you!
Chain shown is not included. See this locket paired with our Antique French Early 19th Century Gold Book Vinaigrette Pendant.
Unmarked.
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.
This one is for the those of you who love books, history, sentimental jewelry, and sleuthing.
Hands down, this is one of our favorite discoveries from our recent trip to Paris. A gorgeous miniature “book” is actually a hinged, multipage locket. The covers are a velvety, satiny gold, tipped at the corners with platinum. A diamond-shaped stylized monogram graces the front, in twinkling rose cut diamonds and millegrained platinum. Open the book to reveal pages engraved with 4 names and birthdates ranging from 1900 to 1914. There are additional “pages” to hold 4 images — complete with covers and removable frames. The book even has a snap latch closure!
The locket is exceptional and very fine as a jewel, but it is even more remarkable due to its provenance. From our research, we discovered that this locket is associated with Neptali Bonifaz (1870-1952), a wealthy landowner and businessman who won the presidential election in Ecuador in 1931, but never took office. (In the aftermath of the election, the Congress voted to disqualify him, which led to a military conflict known as the War of Four Days).
Sr. Bonifaz and his wife Antonia Jijon had 4 children, whose names (Maria, Luis, Cristobal, and Neptali) are inscribed in this locket. How charming that their surname is engraved as “Bonifaz Yyon”, with “Yyon” perhaps an alternative spelling (and phonetic equivalent) to “Jijon.” (We won’t dive into the conventions of Spanish surnames here)!
How did this locket come to be in Paris? We will never know for certain, but we are so glad we are lucky enough to bring this treasure to you!
Chain shown is not included. See this locket paired with our Antique French Early 19th Century Gold Book Vinaigrette Pendant.
Unmarked.
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.
