There’s moments when the world feels like it’s a spiral of anxiety, doom, and worry. You feel messy. Incomplete. And it all feels downright scary. I call to the attention of the children’s story of Where the Wild Things Are. A celebration of accepting all of our sides, including our powerful emotions. At the end, conquering the “monsters”. Be the Queen, King, or the Conqueror of the wild things.
You got this. Stay wild. Stay true.
I was unable to identify the creature at the center of the locket. It appears reminiscent of the mythological creature: manticore. It has sharp ears (perhaps they are horns), human like eyes with a blank expression, and teeth. Alongside its furry arms hanging over some sort of barrel container. Above its head is some sort of banner of celebration. A manticore is fearsome, a combination of animal and human. This locket can be a portrayal of conquering the scary and embracing one’s imagination and childlike wonder. The presumable manticore is surrounded by some sentimental oak leaves, it represents power, strength, honor, and eternity.
I took this to Jessie, a jewelry historian and she had mentioned the enamel is likely original. The expanded look of the enamel is likely due to it previously being in poorly stored conditions and the vitreous nature of enamel. In the interior of the locket is one glass compartment with matching blue textile pieces for each side. Unclear if the other side is intentionally missing the glass compartment, but it is quite interesting to peer through the blue enamel work on the reverse.
The back of the locket is more detailed and engraved artwork with a center shield. Its further connection to the oak leaves for strength.
Specification:
Victorian, no hallmarks
1.1” in height
1.4” over all height including the jump ring
0.9” mm in width
9k solid gold front and back with base frames that are gold filled. The front side appears to be richer in gold color than the back. Jump ring is 9k gold filled. This has been both electronically and XRF tested for 9k gold. There's a small spot at the back of the locket that determined solid gold back.
6.5 grams
Care:
Advance- enamel work is delicate
Clean:
Advance
Condition:
Expected enamel loss. Some scratches on the insides of the locket, scratches exposing the base metal in the frame. Some areas of tarnish. Missing one interior glass panel, unclear if it’s part of the original design. Bail has a little bit of wear. Front and back gold panels have a slight gap.
Cost Drivers:
Gemstone type: N/A
Gold purity level: basic
Gemstone quantity: N/A
Gold weight: average
Rarity: above average
Condition: basic
