The hunt for and use of gold has
been documented through time, beginning with the Egyptians.
Well established trade routes all around the Mediterranean
provided a plentiful source of gold by the time the Greeks
had mastered their skills at making gold jewelry around 300
BC. These masters of metal styled their designs using
Egyptian influences, mythology and historical perspective.
The Roman influence can be seen when the Greek masters began
to use fine gemstones. Topaz, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Ruby and
Garnet stones began to appear set within the gold. The
far-reaching Romans even influenced the artistic standard of
craftsmanship in what was then known as Roman Britain. The
Celtic artisans continued to use a Roman style of jewelry
design all the way up to the 4th century. From the 4th-14th
centuries, styles shifted with the fashion of the time
dictating a more elaborate, richly surface-embellished,
gem-encrusted style of jewelry.
The history of the jeweled locket is shrouded in mystery and
clouded by the passing of time. The earliest known examples
of these lockets date to 14th Century England. Known as
portrait miniatures, padlocks, picture boxes and lockets,
these small hand-held works of art began with the work of a
Limner (miniaturist) creating tiny works of art using opaque
watercolors on vellum (playing cards) with fine brushes
called pencils. The most famous Limner was Nicholas Hilliard
(1547-1619), appointed to the court of Queen Elizabeth I in
1570, he used his skills as a gold smith and Limner to
create fabulous gold framed, gem encrusted, miniatures for
the Queen’s personal use and for her to give as gifts to
reward those that had proved their loyalty to the crown.
The Key To My Heart is very personal. It has an intimacy
about it because you can pick it up, hold it close and view
in secrecy. The images have fabric in the background, to
denote intimacy and familiarity. Nicholas Hilliard used that
technique a lot in his work. The viewer felt privileged to
be invited into such a private place. The locket opens to
reveal two images, Doc Mark & Lady Cynthia Rutledge, circa
1757. Many lockets would have had a key. Mine is symbolic,
the key is positioned on the necklace over my heart.
Techniques:
The locket: Resin coated photographs within brass frames,
Peyote Stitch with decreasing and surface embellishment,
gemstones & CZ’s set in fine metal settings and crystals are
surrounded with beadwork. The locket opens and closes with a
gem studded magnetic clasp.
Beaded chain links and a gem set ring connect the locket to
the necklace ring. The ring is Peyote Stitch with increasing
and is 3-Dimensional.
Lattice Weave necklace straps connect to the necklace ring
and closure with gem set stones and crystals.
The Key: Gemstones & CZ’s set in fine metal settings for the
base of the key. Peyote Stitch flat and in the round, with
decreasing, and Square Stitch forms the body of the key. The
key is attached to the necklace with beaded chain links and
two gem set rings make the final connection to the necklace
strap and the necklace ring.
The Closure: The necklace closes with two gem studded
toggles and a connector. Gemstones & CZ’s set in fine metal
settings, Peyote Stitch with increasing and decreasing,
surface embellishment.
Skill level: Advanced
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