In the same way, this noteworthy jewel is emblematic of the breadth of antique jewelry. This one leaps across the ages.

Like nothing before or since, this pendant locket is so singular that it may have been commissioned for a family or individual. The craftsmanship is par excellence and only a wealthy family or the aristocracy could have afforded this rarity. Perhaps the walnut was their family symbol as it suggests a special meaning.*

The locket is carved out of rock crystal in the shape of a walnut shell. Its ridges and crevices mimic the real thing. While the rock crystal quartz is itself white or clear, when encased in its metalwork and fashioned as it is with its deep concave shape and surface texture it appears a frosted gray in tone.

The crystal is in two parts so that the nut can be opened from the bottom tip with a deep cavity inside. The mounting is highly designed, refined and with detailed ornamental work.

At the front, at the base of the nut, is an organic array of finely engraved silver etched with vertical wavy lines and then textured with patterns of tiny dots. Atop this are three gold raised and textured lines, resembling the roots of a tree.

All the perimeter metal work is silver and gold over silver. Tiny marvels of intricacy, there are alternating patterns of organic arcs and points of silver. The top bale is a trefoil or clover-leaf shape of silver and dotted with the same lovely gold elements. Evocative of Gothic revival, the unusual nature of the design suggests far more creativity.

Twisted wire work and flourishes patterns outline the walnut front and back in both silver and gold.

The interior is as ornamental as the exterior, with engraved silver bands with engraved flourishes and curvilinear marks. The hinge is nearly hidden and designed to be almost invisible.

*Note: For centuries the walnut was recognized as a symbol alluding to royalty and fertility. In Greek mythology, the walnut was symbolic of prophecy.

Artemis Caryatis was endowed with second sight and turned into a walnut tree which bore nuts. It is also associated with intelligence and mental acuity for its similarity in shape to the brain.