This 10k gold medallion is the Winona Seminary 1902 award for housekeeping. “Housekeeping” is engraved on a gold star in a charming font, which is surrounded by a wreath that conveys a message of victory. At the time, it might have been an honor to win an award for your housekeeping skills, but today it comes across to us as ironic—and with a dose of sarcasm and feminism—we find the charm funny and endearing. On the back of the charm, the words “Winona Seminary 1902” are engraved in a scrolling cursive font, which we believe is a reference to the Winona Seminary Boarding and Day School for Girls in Winona, Minnesota. The wreath and star are engraved with lovely detail, and the medallion is a beautiful hue of rose gold.
The pendant weighs 1.5 grams, and is 7/8” across, with an oval bail that measures 4 x 6mm.
Circa 1902.
