Please note that this listing is the first payment of a two-part layaway plan for the three items described below:
General Information Swivel Ring
In the 19th century, it was not unusual to carry around the portrait of a family member or lover. In this era before photography and telephones, carrying around a literal piece of a loved one would have had a very significant meaning.
Size: wears as a US 4,5, UK I 1/2, circumference 48 mm.
This ring cannot be resized.
Weight: 4.15 grams.
Age: Early 19th Century, also known as the Georgian era, circa 1800.
Material: Hallmarked with a French St. Jaques shell import hallmark for 14k gold.
Condition: In great antique condition with only minor wear, consistent with age.
General Information Amethyst Fob
This miniature fob originally hung on a gentleman's watch chain as both a counterweight and a form of extra decoration. The bottom of the fob is set with a faceted amethyst.
What makes this particular example extra interesting is the pin-shaped bale from which it hangs. Even though the fob itself is quite small, this extra addition makes sure that it stands out!
Size: 40 mm long: the fob measures 17 x 10 x 8 mm.
Weight: 2.20 grams
Age: 19th Century, circa 1850s.
Material: Acid tested as 9k gold.
Condition: In great antique condition with only minor signs of wear, consistent with age.
General Information Watch Chain
This 18k gold watch chain would have originally been worn to carry a lady's pocket watch and is therefore fitted with a dog clip on one end. On the other end dangle two gold chains containing two watch winding keys and an unengraved fob.
The chain itself is fitted with two movable beads which are enameled with a pattern of pink roses on a black background.
Size: Longest wearing length: 38 cm / 15 inches. Total length 45 cm. An extra chain extender or dog clip could be added to create some extra length, as can be seen in the last picture.
Weight: 18.00 grams
Age: 19th Century, also known as the Victorian era, circa 1860s.
Material: Hallmarked with French hallmarks for 18k gold, used after 1838.
Condition: In good antique condition with only minor signs of wear, consistent with age. The watch keys show signs of wear: there are some chips to the gilding on the two watch keys, and there is some damage to the enamel of the small watch key. The enamel is in great condition on the other beads. The braided gold chains are in good condition but show one old repair mark and a few 'waves' where they were bent slightly in the past: this is not very noticeable when worn.
Please note that the antique boxes and the extra charm holder in the last picture are for display purposes.