Déco Locket Pendant with a Diamond in Two-Tone Gold, Vienna, late 1920s

Art Deco embraced contrasts. In addition to the new geometric design language, different shades of gold and meticulously finished surfaces also played an important role. Yellow gold was combined with white gold, and polished surfaces were enlivened by engravings. A beautiful example of this is the present locket from Vienna, which we date to the second half of the 1920s. It is crafted from 14-karat gold and combines warm yellow gold with decorative accents of white gold. The front is entirely adorned with fine freehand engravings. Along the edges, stylized leaf motifs in white gold appear, their curved forms creating a charming contrast to the linear decoration in the central field. This central section is made of yellow gold and is covered with closely spaced vertical lines. In the middle, wavy ornaments break up the strict alignment and enliven the surface. At the center sits a single diamond in a transitional cut. Noteworthy is the interplay of two distinct design principles. The linear structure of the central field reflects Art Deco’s preference for clear, rhythmically repeated forms, while the abstracted leaves and waves still incorporate botanical elements. It is precisely this combination of geometric order and stylized ornamentation that is frequently found in jewellery from the 1920s. The Austrian hallmark indicates that the locket originated in Vienna. We have paired this well-preserved piece with a matching gold chain. Inside, two photographs can be displayed in small glass-framed compartments.

Estimate:£1,081.7

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