Male Lovers Eye Antique Garnet Locket & Pearls- Amour de Mystère

I have been collecting antique silver lockets and mourning lockets for quite some time for their unique beauty and charming history. Because so many of them originated in Europe during the 1800’s, they are not as abundantly found here in the US. Additionally, I have recently been very enamored by what is commonly know as “Lover’s Eye” or miniature eye portraits. My fascination began when I found a slide bracelet that integrated several of the “Lover’s Eyes” into the design. As much as I loved the bracelet, the cost was truly astronomical and I passed on the opportunity to be the new owner. Antique “Lover’s Eye” lockets are quite expensive, ranging in the thousands of dollars for one. The history of how these came to be fashionable is not only very interesting, but endearing. Here is a link to my blog where the history of the “Lover’s Eye” is detailed - http://karensugarmandesigns.blogspot.com/2012/01/look-of-love.html Rather serendipitously, I came across a very talented artist who was willing to collaborate with me on incorporating new “Lover’s Eye” paintings into some of my antique lockets. The Amour de Mystère is the first result of that collaboration painting a male subject. As you can see, the beautiful eye is painted in a style to resemble the antiquity of its older counterparts. The dainty 9 ct. gold locket, surrounded by beautiful garnets, is the perfect frame to showcase the very talented beauty of the eye art. However, there is a very unique surprise on the other side - a 2 carat sprinkling of smooth half-orb garnets, gently undulating in the glass window. From the back of the locket, you can also see the artist’s signature and date. The simple yet delicate garnet connectors alternating along a chain with creamy egg-shaped freshwater pearls - allows the beauty of the artistry and antiquity of the locket to become the focal point of the necklace design. The theme of a secret love is carried out further with the addition of a grouping of amulets - including a puffed filigree heart and a diminutive Fleur de Lis. Size: 24” long / 1.125” drop / locket 1.07” wide