A Secret Beau

Hidden within this gold locket is a small exquisitely-gilded silhouette of a young gentleman. Wearing spectacles and with his hair brushed high over his forehead, it is a striking profile. It is the embossed setting though that makes this a particularly desirable piece. Embossed on both sides with a rose pattern (Yorkshire or Lancashire roses perhaps) and designed to emulate a tiny pocket watch, it may have been worn on a guard chain by the young man’s sweetheart and tucked into her dress next to her heart.

The silhouette collector and author, Sue McKechnie, speculated that the decorative setting may have been created by William Miers. William was the son of John Miers who, upon his death in 1821, bequeathed his flourishing silhouette business in equal parts to his long-standing partner John Field and his son William. Skilled at seal-engraving and frame-making, his miniature frames often encompassing ormolu decorations, William advertised himself as a goldsmith so this jewel would have been well within his capability.

Under magnification, there is light dust under the glass and evidence of gum marks around the edge of the ivory at 7 o’clock. None of this is visible to the naked eye and certainly doesn’t detract from the beauty of this unique piece.

Ivory Exemption Ref.: XHJFQGVB