The Fabulous Antique Gold Keepsake Lockets Of Albert Ernest Jenkins
The goldsmith known as Albert Ernest Jenkins is one of our favourite locket makers. His superior quality lockets are among the finest we have seen and yet despite the presence of his finely wrought lockets, he remains a mystery. The only information about this maker which is widely shared is that his business premises were located at Vittoria Street in the heart of the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter from 1899-1915. We have not been able to verify this information despite spending many hours searching the patent office and archives.
At around the same time the large family firm of Henry Jenkins & Sons was also known to be located at Vittoria Street. We wonder if Albert Ernest Jenkins was related to Henry Jenkins. The Unity Works was also known as Vittoria Works. This substantial building was owned and occupied by Henry Jenkins and Sons Ltd. This company was made up of Henry Jenkins, James Jenkins, Fredrick Jenkins and Samuel Jenkins, trading under the style of Henry Jenkins and Sons.
We know that Albert Ernest Jenkins had his own mark struck. This mark is very similar to that of Albert Edward Jones which is shown below. However, the full stops in between the letters A & E are in the middle of the letters instead of at the bottom. The A & E also have a more florid font with upturned edges.
The mark of Albert Ernest Jenkins can be seen on all manner of beautiful hallmarked gold and silver jewellery but we shall concentrate on the lockets of this maker.
The locket depicted above is deep bodied and sturdy despite its elegance and size. This antique is typical of the work we have come to expect from this goldsmith. As well as being soundly crafted, both the anterior and posterior surfaces are engraved, rather than the back being left plain. The ornate engravings not only beautify this piece but also bestow it with a timeless appearance because the elaborate embellishments prevent the appearance of wear and usage.
When we are fortunate enough to find hallmarked gold lockets crafted by this maker we often note that the exterior surfaces are finely engraved with symbolic motifs.
The shield shape of this locket and also the repetition of the shield motif in the shape of the cartouche represent the desire of the donor to protect the wearer of this locket. A multitude of acanthus leaves frame the shield cartouche which bears the initials F M.
The initials are so ornate that the letters are open to interpretation.
We usually note that lockets crafted by this maker have highly visible hallmarks stamped on the posterior surface . The well struck marks make dating easy.
Click here to read our blog about dating gold and silver.
The hallmarks are framed by ivy leaves.
Ivy leaves symbolise strong bonds, devotion and loyalty.
The sturdy shield is a locket shape that this goldsmith mastered well.
Another style of locket for which this maker is well known is the rectangle with chamfered edges. Acanthus leaves and a shield motif convey the deepest meanings. A single forget-me-not flower draws the eye because of its central location.
Forget-me-not flowers symbolise deep love and respect.
VIEW THIS ANTIQUE 9 CARAT GOLD KEEPSAKE LOCKET
The cartouche on the gold locket pictured above is in the shape of a scroll.
Scrolls symbolise wisdom.
This dainty solid gold locket which was crafted by the esteemed locket maker, Albert Ernest Jenkins, in 1921.
This elegant fully hallmarked antique was assayed* (tested for gold purity*) at Birmingham Assay Office in the same year.
Both exterior surfaces are ornamented with swallows framed by crescent shaped garlands.
Swallows are said to be a lucky talisman for those who travel abroad.
The original solid gold frames are in place.
Both locket compartments include liners and clear portrait protectors.
VIEW THIS ANTIQUE SOLID GOLD KEEPSAKE LOCKET
An impressive solid gold Art Nouveau locket which was crafted by the esteemed locket maker, Albert Ernest Jenkins, in 1912.
This magnificent antique was assayed* (tested for gold purity*) at Birmingham Assay Office in the same year.
The anterior surface is ornamented with florid acanthus leaves which symbolise immortality.
The acanthus leaves form the most deliciously Art Nouveau border for the central shield cartouche.
Shields portray the desire to protect.
Ivy leaves adorn the posterior surface.
The depiction of ivy leaves represent fidelity, love and eternal life.
The original charming hand tinted portraits are present.
These portraits can be removed if desired.
The original clear portrait protectors and frames are in place.
Both locket compartments are lined with pristine golden watered silk.
The rolo chain necklace measures 18 inches long.
This locket will accommodate locks of hair, miniature paintings or photographs.
Great skill is required to engrave deeply enough to achieve the correct definition without engraving with too much force which could pierce the case.
As these antique lockets were hand engraved it would not be remiss to describe them as unique pieces.
The locket shown above is tiny. The enlarged image above shows the great skill needed to include so many depictions on such a small surface area.
VIEW THIS ANTIQUE 9CT GOLD SWALLOW LOCKET
A superb fully hallmarked antique locket which was crafted by Albert Ernest Jenkins in 1911. This splendid piece is ornamented with swallows and garlands of roses on both sides. An ornamental bow is attached to one of the garlands. The engraved bow symbolises the desire of the donor to give themselves to the recipient. Swallows are seen as lucky talismans for those who travel, ensuring a safe return home. Roses symbolise love and adoration.
This antique was assayed* (tested for gold purity*) at Chester Assay Office in 1911.
The locket is suspended from an elegant 9 carat gold 18 inch necklace.
VIEW THIS SOLID GOLD SWALLOW LOCKET
Such artistry!
The anterior surface shows the most delightful symmetrical design which radiates from the ornate shield cartouche. Ivy and acanthus leaves intertwine in such a pleasing composition.
This maker was particularly well known for his solid gold lockets and so he would have received commissions from wealthy Victorian & Edwardian families who wished to own or gift precious keepsake jewellery.
From time to time those who commissioned Mr. Jenkins would also request that he engraved the recipients initials within the cartouche.
Sometimes the initials that we see engraved onto antique lockets are used to convey a message rather than stamp the case with the initials of the owner.
For example you may see the initials AEI adorning antique lockets.
The initials AEI represent Amity, Eternity and Infinity. The AEI sentiment was popular throughout the Victorian and Edwardian eras.
Although it is frustrating for us when we can not find more historical facts for one of our favourite makers we will continue to search for more information.
More fully hallmarked antique gold lockets.
Please note that although we spend many hours each week updating or compiling new work for our historical blog section which is free to view, we do not offer an appraisal, identification, valuation or dating service to members of the public.
However, each purchase from our store is shipped with a lavishly illustrated history which dates the item and details the history of the item and that of the maker.
Sources:
silvercollection.it
