Vintage Cameo Locket

By: Iren Minka

Location: Albania

Place of origin: France

Object details: Height of Pendant: 4.5cm, Width of Pendant: 3cm, Chain Length: 60cm.

Categories: Jewelry piece

Brief description: Classical style Victorian inspired large cameo locket in carnelian red and cream. Inside there is space for two photographs, or a little secret treasure.

Physical description: Oval cameo locket pendant, framed by engraved metal, hanged on a spiga wheat chain. Because of the old age of the necklace, there is patina throughout the necklace, especially on the interior surface of the locket.

Materials and technique: Resin, gunmetal finish, antique bronze plated.

Personal Connection: The necklace is my great-grandmother’s locket, family heirloom.

Reflection

This Cameo Locket Necklace belonged to my late Parisian great-grandmother, who left France to marry the love of her life, my great-grandfather, who lived in Albania. Even though it might not give you the impression, this vintage locket holds inside a very sad story. The necklace is family heirloom, currently located in Albania and owned by my aunt. It is a classical style Victorian inspired large cameo locket in carnelian red and cream, which opens to reveal a space for photos, or a little secret treasure.

In the Victorian era, the cameo experienced a surge in popularity as it became fashionable to wear jewelry featuring these carved images. The Victorian period, which lasted from 1837 to 1901, was characterized by a strong interest in romanticism and nostalgia. The cameo locket necklace specifically would have been used as an accessory, often worn as a symbol of sentimentality or as a fashion statement. Lockets themselves have historically been used to hold keepsakes, such as miniature portraits, locks of hair, or other small mementos of loved ones. These pieces were often made from materials such as shell, stone, or glass. They were a way for individuals to keep cherished memories close to their hearts. Today, it is often considered a classic and timeless accessory, valued for its historical significance and romantic aesthetic. Cameo jewelry, including lockets, necklaces, and brooches, was popular during this time, especially among the upper class and those with more wealth. (Vogel, 2020)

My necklace does not date back to the Victorian era, however it is pretty vintage, or at least almost a century old. Since my great-grandmother brought it from France, I am assuming that there is where the necklace was made. My great-grandmother, and great-grandfather were financially affluent, and part of the Albanian aristocracy. My grandgrandfather held a royal title when Albania was a monarchy under King Zog, in the late 1920s, early 1930s. However, when the communist party rose to power in 1944, my family, as well as other aristocratic Albanian families, were targeted and unrightfully stripped off of their properties and wealth. The communists confiscated a lot of my family’s personal items, however my great-grandmother managed to keep this locket necklace, and a handful of other items out of the hands of the communists. To me, this Cameo Locket Necklace has remained as a symbol of my great-grandparents status, and resilience through the harsh terrors of communism in Albania.