You’d be forgiven for thinking this masterpiece is housed in a museum somewhere but this labour of love is a bespoke WLG commission.
Inspired by an Italian renaissance piece depicting Albrecht Dürer’s fall of Adam and Eve, this exquisite reliquary has no less than six secret chambers and compartments. William Llewellyn Griffith is a master of all things hinges, locks, clasps and mechanisms but his dedication to translating a client’s vision from the ethereal to the physical is a truly remarkable gift.
Masterfully crafted in 18ct yellow gold, ‘anointed’ with rich vitreous enamel details, and lavishly adorned with pearls, diamonds, tourmalines, sapphire, rubies, and hand cut quartz, the level of detail and symbology in this piece is astonishing.
Illuminated behind a hand-faceted slice of crystal quartz set with gold fluer-de-lys, the locket’s first compartment unclasps to reveal a ruby studded burning sacred heart. When removed and reversed, gorgeous green tourmalines create a vision of Eden’s infamous apple plucked and bitten from the tree of knowledge. Inspired by the entrance of a grand Milan cathedral William encountered on his many travels, this charm conceals a hidden engraving of a dove of peace surrounded by golden rays of light.
The second through fifth locket panels unfold and expand to create a pentaptych-like altar. Intricate scenes depict Adam and Eve flanked by angels reading from scrolls, Revelation’s great dragon, ornate scroll work, sea-monsters, griffins, flourishes of fluer-de-lys and urns each creating a feast for the eyes whilst a solemn skull looks on surrounded by an hour glass, cross bones and candle.
Three beautiful gothic crosses decorate the front and back of the piece. Below the locket three angels and the alpha and omega preside over a holy book, inside which lies the final secret storage chamber.
Complete with intricate bejewelled clasp, safety latch and extension chain with grand enamelled WLG crest insignia, the magnificent gothic inspired chain and bail set the scene for the locket’s majesty.
The bail’s vivid green oval cut tourmaline of approximately 5.30 carat weight is framed by a gothic arch and flanked by protective gargoyles carrying enamelled censers. Each chain segment complements the lines of the bail’s arch, linking seamlessly with an adjoining spacer, itself a gorgeous quatrefoil window.
PLEASE NOTE: This piece is a unique one-off neckpiece. Get in contact with us if you would like a custom piece made just for you. All pieces are made with love in William Llewellyn Griffiths' Melbourne studio.
Materials: 18ct yellow gold, vitreous enamel, green tourmalines, diamonds, sapphire, rubies, pearls, hand cut quartz
Weight: 185 grams
Chain: 16" + 2" extension chain
Pendant length: 6"
