Cadence | French Gold-Laminated Modernist Locket (c. 1940s–50s)

Two pictures. Your choice. By midcentury, even the locket had changed clothes. Gone were the flowers, flourishes and romantic ornament of earlier generations. This one arrived dressed for a new world: graphic, geometric, textured in alternating rhythms of gold. But open it, and the old purpose remains. Two small photographs, carried close. Made in France and marked Plaqué Or Laminé, Cadence carries a particularly French bit of jewelry history. Or laminé was a quality gold-layer construction, made by mechanically bonding a substantial layer of gold to a base metal rather than depositing the very thin surface layer associated with ordinary electroplating. The result was jewelry made to wear and endure more like gold, which helps explain why the finish on this little locket has survived so beautifully. Open it and the geometry continues inside, framing two oval spaces for photographs. Both metallic paper photo inserts remain in place. Details Era: Midcentury, stylistically dated c. 1940s–50s Origin: France Material: Plaqué Or Laminé (French laminated gold) Mark: Plaqué Or Laminé Measurements: Approx. 7/8 × 3/4 inch Interior: Two oval photo compartments with metallic paper inserts Condition: Good vintage condition with light surface wear consistent with age and a small shallow ding to the center polished panel, as shown. Gold-laminated finish remains very well preserved. Locket opens and closes securely and retains both metallic paper photo inserts. Styling Notes: Small enough to layer. Interesting enough not to disappear. Please Note: Jewelry box, chains, styling props, and any additional items shown in photos are for display purposes only unless specifically listed as included. Your piece will arrive carefully packaged in RetroStarr presentation wrapping, ready for gifting, collecting, or immediate wear. Curated by Dana Sednek, GIA trained jewelry professional and founder of RetroStarr, where each jewel is hand selected for its past lives and future attitude.