Venetian-glass intaglios, ancient Greek and Roman coins, antique porcelain buttons and other treasures that Elizabeth Locke collects from around the world all inspire and are incorporated into her earrings, necklaces and other handmade designs.
The Virginia-based jeweler began her journey as a collector after she’d already launched her namesake jewelry line, and her assemblage of micromosaics, which are essentially miniature plaques composed of enameled-glass tesserae, were the subject of the 2020–21 exhibition “A Return to the Grand Tour: Micromosaic Jewels from the Collection of Elizabeth Locke” at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
“They’re very hard to find, and you never know where you’ll see them,” Locke explains of micromosaics, the magnificent, miniature works for which she’s had to navigate lesser-known antique shops and auctions and build relationships with private dealers in Europe.
All of Locke’s imaginative jewelry pieces see an integration of rare and eclectic materials, the kind that might’ve been amassed during a 19th-century Grand Tour of Europe, when these coming-of-age journeys had long been popular (mostly for wealthy European men). Working in a neoclassical style, Locke references history with a modern approach for her moonstone earrings, gold-link bracelets, Venetian-glass pendants and other distinctive accessories. As she told W magazine, “Jewelry is designed for the era in which it is worn.”
In 1988, as an editor for Town & Country, Locke traveled to Bangkok to write about making jewelry. Unexpectedly, she found her niche. Upon her return home, Locke enrolled in the Gemological Institute of America and began sketching ideas. By 1990, her tourmaline ring — crafted with the goldsmiths she had met in Bangkok and who she would continue to collaborate with over the following decades — landed the cover of W.
Locke’s handmade, 19-karat-gold designs give one-of-a-kind antiquities new meaning in the 21st century. Not one to follow trends, Locke prefers designs that express a unique vision. “I know what I can do and I know what I feel comfortable doing, and I stick to it,” she has said.
Find a collection of Elizabeth Locke’s jewelry on 1stDibs.
Elizabeth Locke Channeled Gold Bangle Bracelet
By Elizabeth Locke
Located in Darnestown, MD
Elizabeth Locke hinged bangle bracelet in her classic hammered gold finish. The bracelet has raised channel ends and middle. The bracelet is 2 1/4 inches in diameter and 5/8 inches i...
Gold, 18k Gold
Yianni Creations 18 Karat Gold Bangle Bracelet with Citrine
By Yianni Creations
Located in Astoria, NY
This bracelet from Yianni Creations is all handmade in Greece from 18 Karat Gold and set with 1.75 Carat Citrine. The unique look is created by using ancient techniques of craftsmanship - brushed texture and nature-inspired liquid edges. For a full selection of Yianni Creations (YC) jewelry please visit our storefront here on 1stdibs – Yianni Creations Inc...
Citrine, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Brushed Diamond Bangle Bracelet
By Baume
Located in Poitiers, FR
Bangle bracelet in 18 carat satin white gold. This delightful white gold bangle bracelet is oval and rounded in form. Created in brushed white gold it is engraved and set with 5 bril...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet Channel Set Diamonds
Located in Boston, MA
18K Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet Channel Set Diamonds - The bangle contains 25 round brilliant diamonds weighing approximately 1.50ct. T...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s 18 Karat Yellow Gold Articulated Bangle Bracelet
Located in Poitiers, FR
Bracelet in 18 karat yellow gold. Magnificent retro bracelet, it is composed of three patterns openworked between them, formed by a striped bangle that ends at each end by a gold dom...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Old Mine Diamond Etruscan Revival Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A STUNNING ANTIQUE VICTORIAN ETRUSCAN REVIVAL 14-18 KARAT GOLD AND OLD MINE CUT DIAMOND BANGLE BRACELET. The hinged bangle bracelet has museum quality Etruscan hand applied bead and rope work accents of extraordinary detail. In the center is a navette set with five old single and old mine cut diamonds of great beauty. The interior circumference is 5 5/8 inches. This is one of the finest diamond set antique Victorian bracelets...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 14K Gold Engraved Satined Bangle Bracelet
Located in Rotterdam, NL
This elegant antique bangle bracelet is crafted in solid 14 karat gold and weighs a substantial 31 grams. The bracelet features a softly rounded, slightly domed shape with hand-engra...
Gold, 14k Gold
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Moonstone Bangle Bracelet with Diamonds
Located in Houston, TX
Victorian hinged bangle bracelet in 18K yellow gold featuring an oval moonstone framed by 2.30 carats of rose-cut diamonds. The bracelet measur...
Diamond, Moonstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
David Webb Double Leopard Bangle Bracelet in 18K Gold
By David Webb
Located in Houston, TX
David Webb double leopard bangle bracelet in 18K yellow gold with black enamel spots and emerald eyes. The leopards are biting a pavé diamond ring with 52 round brilliant-cut diamon...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Victorian Oval Garnet Cabochon Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in Stamford, CT
Unique Victorian 1850's wonderful bangle bracelet. Set with 3 oval cabochon garnets set in a 14k yellow gold setting. Handmade, beautifully crafted with natural patina. There is also...
Garnet, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Antique French Coral Garnet Seed Pearl Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
This lovely antique French hinged bangle was masterfully handcrafted in 18 karat yellow gold. 3 round polished burgundy color garnet beads are ce...
Coral, Garnet, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald Cut Diamond 18k Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in San Francisco, CA
This fun, stackable 18k bi-color gold bangle bracelet is a great addition to a collection. Designed with four emerald-cut diamonds set on the compass points, weighing together 1.58 c...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Tiger Eye Yellow Gold Midcentury Bangle Bracelet
Located in Stamford, CT
1960's Four section curved tiger eye and 14k yellow gold hand engraved bangle bracelet with safety chain. Circa 1960. 7-7.5 Length. Diagonall...
Tiger's Eye, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elizabeth Locke Lapis Lazuli Wide Gold Bracelet
By Elizabeth Locke
Located in Darnestown, MD
Stunning wide gold bracelet by Elizabeth Locke with four cabochon lapis lazuli stones. The stones are all square in shape. The bracelet is made with Locke's signature hammered gold ...
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
Elizabeth Locke Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Amulet Bangle Bracelet
By Elizabeth Locke
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Hinged bangle bracelet is designed with hammered texture throughout Center is recessed with raised fluted edges Completed by hidden clasp closure Stamped 18k for 18 karat gold Wi...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elizabeth Locke Tourmaline Moonstone Peridot 19 Karat Gold Link Bracelet
By Elizabeth Locke
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Bracelet is comprised of bezel set links alternating with bar spacer links Featuring oval cabochons of tourmaline, citrine, moonstone, labradorite, peridot and other With a hammered gold finish throughout Completed by a toggle style clasp - decorated with gold bead and twisted rope motifs Stamped 19K for 19 karat gold...
Labradorite, Moonstone, Peridot, Tourmaline, Gold, Yellow Gold
Elizabeth Locke Intaglio Gold Bracelet with Pendant
By Elizabeth Locke
Located in Darnestown, MD
Elizabeth Locke intaglio bracelet depicting scenes of ancient life with humans and animals. The five Venetian glass medallions are beautifully color coordinated. The bracelet has a w...
18k Gold
Elizabeth Locke Venetian Glass Intaglio & Gold Bangle Bracelet
By Elizabeth Locke
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Individually designed by Elizabeth Locke and handcrafted in 19-karat yellow gold, this Venetian glass bracelet modernizes the time-honored inta...
18k Gold