Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Marcasite Floral Basket Locket

This is an Art Nouveau locket from France, dating between 1890-1900. It is crafted entirely from sterling silver and adorned with marcasite. Marcasite was popular in Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries as a substitute for diamonds. Its distinctive grey-iron hue has made marcasite increasingly prominent as a unique decorative element since the 20th century. The oval locket features a decorative border of marcasite on its upper and lower edges. The floral motifs and delicate bow design embody the Art Nouveau style's pursuit of natural inspiration and flowing lines. At its center, a rich floral basket serves as the visual focal point. A deep black glass background on the base highlights the marcasite's brilliance. The entire floral basket is exquisitely rendered, showcasing complete flower shapes and foliage, with meticulous detail also applied to the basket itself. Engraved patterns mimic a woven texture, and strategic use of negative space balances the opulence with a refined elegance. The locket opens from left to right. One side is lined with fabric, offering space for small keepsake items. The piece is in good condition, showing normal oxidation and signs of wear, with fading on the inner lining. As a century-old antique, it is not in pristine, new condition. Origin: France Year: 1890-1900s Materials: Sterling Silver, Glass, Marcasite Dimensions: 4.4x2.6 cm Weight: 8.7g Condition: Overall good condition, with normal oxidation and signs of wear. The inner fabric shows fading. This is a century-old antique, not a brand new item. Purchase Notes: Antique jewelry refers to pieces that are "over one hundred years old." Items less than a century old are classified as vintage or second-hand jewelry. All jewelry sold by Xiangcheng Antique Jewelry comes with a brand certificate detailing the piece's era, materials, and other information. We offer a no-questions-asked refund if the item does not match the certificate. Before sale, each item's condition is meticulously recorded using photographic equipment to ensure customers are fully aware of any flaws or signs of use. Photographs form an integral part of the item description. Therefore, customers are kindly asked to carefully consider their purchase intention before checkout. Once the checkout process is completed, due to the unique nature of the items we sell, we regret that returns or exchanges cannot be accepted for any reason, including perceived flaws or depreciation. We urge customers to reconfirm their purchase intent before checkout to avoid any disputes. Shipping Methods: Enjoy "complimentary shipping on all jewelry purchases" to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Japan. All shipments within Taiwan will be sent via registered post. If registered mail is inconvenient, please specify store pickup (7-11 or FamilyMart) in your order and provide the store name or code. Shipments to Hong Kong and Macau will be sent via SF Express.