Locket

Art Historical Context

Nestled in The American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, delicate locket from 1706 exemplifies the intimate artistry of colonial America. Crafted by an unknown artist gold, human hair, and crystal, measures a petite 9/16 x 13/16 inches (1.4 x 2.1 cm). Such miniature jewels were prized personal treasures, often worn close to the heart as pendants or brooches. In the early 18th century,ets like this served as poignant memorials, enclosing a lock of a loved one's hair—typically from a deceased family member—beneath a protective crystal cover. The gold frame, meticulously worked, highlights the craftsmanship of American silversmiths and jewelers during a time when imported European styles blended with emerging colonial tastes. Hairwork, a sentimental technique popular among the affluent, symbolized enduring bonds beyond death, reflecting the era's mourning rituals and emotional depth. Acquired through the generous Susan and Jon Rotenstreich Gift in 2000, this locket offers a window into private lives of 300 years ago, reminding us how everyday objects carried profound personal stories in early American culture.