Egyptian Revival portrait locket with a zaftig beauty.

I have a particular weakness for a good portrait locket. They’re each like a hidden story you get to preview but never hear in full: who is the person in the portrait? Who was it painted for? Why did the artist paint the person in that particular outfit? Did the subject really post like that, or is it imagination? Was it even a real person?

I was browsing Etsy the other day and this magnificent specimen of a portrait locket jumped out at me.

It’s a Victorian Egyptian Revival piece, circa 1800. Made in France.

First things first: luscious textured gold, beautifully scalloped frame around the pristine enamel, wonderful monogram on the back, fantastically colorful palette.

But let’s be real abut what’s blowing our minds here. This badass AF lady rocking it on the cover.

Seriously. LOOK at her. Enormous pearl and coral earrings, matching the coral and pearl brooch in her decolletage and the diadem around her huge green and golden headcloth. As if that weren’t enough bling, she’s also rocking the hell out of a huge and Georgian-looking diamond necklace set with real rose cut diamonds.

Then: the woman herself. She’s impeccably detailed and notably charismatic. Note the curls of hair in front of her ears, the hint of valleys of soft skin at her underarm and cleavage. The artist even lovingly rendered the pale pink slope of her gentle double chin. She’s incredible.

Here’s a better look at the monogram on the back.

What do you think the letters say? I’m terrible at deciphering these things. There’s definitely a “B” – my favorite letter – but what else?

I think this is obvious by now, but if anyone’s looking to get me a Christmas or Hanukkah present….I choose her.

This beautiful piece is currently for sale by Shop CJ on Etsy. All images and info are thanks to Shop CJ.