Monica Rich Kosann, a jewelry designer who began her career as a photographer, has developed a distinctive niche by creating handcrafted lockets that combine personal photography with fine jewelry craftsmanship. Initially inspired by early 20th-century photographers Alfred Stieglitz and Edward Steichen, Kosann focused on capturing intimate portraits of family and friends. When a collector indicated limited space to exhibit her photographs, she adapted by placing images into vintage cigarette cases and Victorian lockets sourced from flea markets and gifting them to friends and family.

This practice led Kosann to travel to Italy to collaborate with local artisans and produce her own line of “image cases.” In 2003, she formally launched her jewelry brand, specializing in lockets designed to house photographs while serving as elegant, wearable keepsakes.

Her work drew further inspiration from the Art Deco style featured in the 2004 film “De-Lovely,” a biopic about Cole Porter, the American Jazz Age composer and lyricist. In response, Kosann created a high-jewelry locket incorporating a blue moonstone set in 18-karat yellow gold, surrounded by sapphires and diamonds. This piece reflected both the aesthetic and artistic influences of the Jazz Age era.

Recently, Kosann revisited this concept with a new design centered on Arizona Sleeping Beauty turquoise, a gemstone prized for its vivid sky blue color and absence of veining. To complement the turquoise, the backing of the double-sided locket is crafted from onyx and yellow gold, further evoking the Art Deco period. The locket is engineered to open and display two photographs, emphasizing its dual function as both a protective container for cherished images and an heirloom piece intended for passing down through generations.

Kosann’s approach merges photography, jewelry design, and historical styles to create personalized objects that hold deep sentimental value while offering enduring craftsmanship and artistic appeal.