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This 18th-century heliotrope egg is fitted in an 18k yellow gold, open-work mounting. The rim is decorated with a white enamel band that reads 'Voyez et Vous souvenez', which translates to 'See and you will remember', implying that it was gifted to either a friend or lover. The egg can be screwed open to store a little keepsake inside.
Tiny decorative eggs like these were often part of very luxurious 'châtelaines' worn by the European elite. These watch chains would hold a pocket watch - a very desirable and expensive object to own - and several small items that were often excuistitely created and showed off their owners' wealth and fine taste. Click here for a very similar example in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and here for a similar example in the Louvre Museum in Paris.
General Information
Size: 25 x 18 x 14 mm.
Weight: 5.45 grams.
Material: Hallmarked for 18k gold.
Age: 18th Century, circa 1760s.
Condition: In good antique condition with only minor wear, consistent with age: there is some minor loss to the enamel, which can be seen in the pictures.
Please note that the antique box is for display purposes. This shop is based in the EU. Although antiques are exempt from taxes in most countries, buyers from outside the EU might be subject to import duties.