Locket

Date1750-1775

MediumGold; garnets; ivory; glass; white enamel

DimensionsH: 1 7/16"; W: 13/16"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1954-612

DescriptionLocket: Heart-shaped with glass face on back and front and gold bezel; hinged at upper back. Locket framed by a ribbon scroll of white enamel with gold lettering: CROWN'D BY LOVE--JOIN'D BY FRIENDSHIP. The scroll and bow knot at top set with garnets (some discolored); one original ring and two later rings for hanging at top. Within the locket a thin sheet of ivory with gold-embellished sepia image of a dove holding a floral crown above two arrow-pierced hearts.
Label TextBecause of its small size and delicate nature, most jewelry does not bear maker’s marks. This sentimental locket with its white-enameled motto “CROWN’D BY LOVE—JOIN’D BY FRIENDSHIP” was probably made in England in a wholesale jeweler’s shop. The ivory center is embellished with a gold-encrusted sepia image of a dove holding a floral crown above two hearts pierced by arrows.
InscribedMotto “CROWN’D BY LOVE—JOIN’D BY FRIENDSHIP” in gold letters against white-enameled background of ribbon surrounding the heart