Gold and coral book pendant “Book of love”

Description

Exceptional pendant from the 50s in 18-carat gold representing a book whose cover is decorated with a 1.2-carat oval coral cabochon in a bezel setting haloed with a chiseled rosette while the back of the cover is crossed by fine fan-shaped grooves and its gold purse shimmering. Equipped with 4 movable pages, also in gold, this pendant presents on each one the phrase “I love you” in a different language: Italian, English, German and French. A highly symbolic piece, a reflection of exceptional know-how.
Length: 3cm with bail, 2cm without.
Width: 1.5cm
Weight: 0.76g
Eagle hallmark.
This unique piece had a previous life in France.

The Story: Symbolic jewelry, often figurative and carrying messages of love, has a long history across cultures. In ancient Egypt, amulets in the shape of scarab beetles or hearts represented life and emotions. During the Renaissance, Europeans exchanged secret jewelry such as “pomanders” or “lockets” containing hidden messages or portraits. In the Victorian era, miniature charms and pendants — books, padlocks, letters — were very popular, each telling a sentimental or coded story. These jewels, both intimate and narrative, transformed love into a tangible object, preserved on the skin as a treasure that was both personal and universal.