{"product_id":"antique-enamel-man-in-the-moon-and-cherub-locket-of-18k-gold","title":"Antique Enamel Man in the Moon and Cherub Locket of 18k Gold","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: rgb(252, 252, 252); color: rgb(13, 13, 13);\"\u003eExceptionally unusual and wonderfully imaginative, this antique locket captures the fanciful spirit of the Belle Époque in a composition that is as intriguing as it is enchanting. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: rgb(252, 252, 252); color: rgb(13, 13, 13);\"\u003eDating to approximately 1890–1900, the jewel features an expressive Man in the Moon, beautifully rendered in enamel, accompanied by a winged cherub engaged in the rather curious business of presenting—or perhaps attempting to feed him—a diamond.  The scene possesses an almost theatrical quality. The moon's wonderfully animated face and the cherub's somewhat ambiguous expression leave the viewer to wonder what exactly is transpiring between these two celestial characters. Is it an offering, an obligation, or simply a bit of heavenly mischief? There is an unexpected touch of humor in the interaction, giving the composition a personality rarely encountered in antique jewelry. Its charm lies not only in its exquisite execution, but also in its delightful eccentricity and the little story it seems to suggest.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: rgb(252, 252, 252); color: rgb(13, 13, 13);\"\u003eThe imagery is particularly evocative of the late nineteenth century's fascination with celestial subjects, personification, allegory, and romantic fantasy. The moon, long associated with mystery, dreams, and the passage of time, is transformed into an expressive character, while the winged cherub introduces an element of classical mythology and playful imagination. The diamond itself adds another layer of visual poetry, its enduring brilliance juxtaposed against the fanciful enamel figures. Whether the scene was intended to convey a particular allegory or simply to delight through its unusual narrative remains open to interpretation—a quality that makes the jewel all the more captivating.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: rgb(252, 252, 252); color: rgb(13, 13, 13);\"\u003eAdding another fascinating dimension to its history, the piece began life as an antique 18K gold watch case. It was subsequently and thoughtfully transformed into a locket, preserving the original enamel composition while enhancing it with a luminous antique halo of Old European-cut diamonds set on 14k. The diamond halo beautifully frames the original design, introducing additional brilliance and dimension while allowing the extraordinary antique imagery to remain the focal point. This considered transformation brings together the craftsmanship of the nineteenth century with a fresh appreciation of the jewel as an object of adornment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: rgb(252, 252, 252); color: rgb(13, 13, 13);\"\u003eMeasuring approximately 1.9 inches from the top of the bail to the bottom and 1.5 inches wide, the locket has a substantial and satisfying presence, weighing 18.3 grams. It is accompanied by its original presentation case, measuring approximately 3.7 inches by 2.9 inches by 1 inch. The locket remains in great antique condition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: rgb(252, 252, 252); color: rgb(13, 13, 13);\"\u003eThe metal content was professionally verified through X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis and traditional jeweler's acid testing to confirm the 14k gold halo and 18k gold locket. Diamond identification was supported by Raman spectroscopy, a non-destructive analytical technique that provides a chemical fingerprint for gemstone characterization. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: rgb(252, 252, 252); color: rgb(13, 13, 13);\"\u003eWith its extraordinary enamel figures, wonderfully unconventional subject matter, and sparkling halo of Old European-cut diamonds, this is a jewel that defies the ordinary. Part antique treasure, part miniature work of art, it embodies the imaginative freedom and decorative exuberance of the Belle Époque. Its celestial characters seem to possess a life of their own, inviting curiosity, amusement, and endless speculation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: rgb(252, 252, 252); color: rgb(13, 13, 13);\"\u003eFor the collector who appreciates the unexpected, this remarkable locket offers something increasingly difficult to find: genuine individuality, historical character, and a sense of whimsy that cannot be manufactured. A truly distinctive jewel, and quite possibly one of the most delightfully eccentric pieces in an exceptional antique jewelry collection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Trademark Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50987578359873,"sku":"L595","price":13950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0445\/7909\/files\/2026102613_4366654.jpg?v=1794242444","url":"https:\/\/trademarkantiques.com\/products\/antique-enamel-man-in-the-moon-and-cherub-locket-of-18k-gold","provider":"Trademark Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}