Victorian French Vinaigrette Pendant

A wonderful locket pendant from the Victorian period, c1870s. The pendant is French in origin and has an eagle head hallmark for 18ct gold. It has a moody, dark green bloodstone set to the front and the back with little, subtle specks of red throughout. Inside is a wonderful vinaigrette grill. The grill is on a secure hinge and is beautifully pierced with a decorative design. It opens on a hinge and has a little lip catch to one side for your fingernail for ease of opening. A vinaigrette would have held a sweet smelling piece of cotton to help with the pungent smells that were rife during this period. The central bloodstone locket is complete with a halo of hollow gold balls. A very typical French style and rare to find a vinaigrette in such lovely condition.

The chain pictured is for display only.

Details:

Materials - 18ct Gold (marked), Bloodstone

Age - C1870s

Size - The vinaigrette measures approx 26mm long excluding the bail and is around 22mm wide.

Condition - Very good. Some of the balls have some little dings in them, commensurate with age. Please see the pictures. These are mainly towards the bottom

Weight - 6.68g