This Victorian lorgnettes pendant is crafted in 14k yellow gold and tortoise shell, weighs 29.5g and measures 5.5 inches long, 2.9cm wide and 11.5mm deep. This exquisite, authentic Victorian pendant is designed as a highly decorative, Victorian style vanity mirror motif lorgnette case rendered in elegant tortoise shell with yellow gold accents accommodating a pair of delicately designed, deployable lorgnettes with delicate 14k yellow gold frames, outfitted with a perfectly functioning 'trigger' mechanism. Lorgnettes made their first appearance in the late 18th century and became a fashionable accessory for the socially privileged class. Highly in vogue throughout the Victorian and Edwardian eras, lorgnettes were made in gold, silver, and plated steel in a wide range of designs. Edwardian lorgnettes were often produced with diamond-studded frames. This unique and highly collectible antique Victorian pendant features an orbicular bale to support a chain, and a well-constructed rotating 'trigger' mechanism.

Lorgnettes, two lenses in a frame with a lateral handle, made their first appearance in the 18th century, pioneered by an Englishman named George Adams. The lorgnette probably developed from the French designed ‘binocles-ciseaux’ meaning scissors-glass, which was a double eyeglass on a handle. Since the two parts of the handle came together under the nose and looked as if they were about to cut it off, they were known as ‘binocles-ciseaux’ or scissors glasses. The English changed the size and form of the scissors-glasses and produced the lorgnette. The frame and handle were, without exception, artistically embellished, since they were used mostly by Victorian ladies and more often as a piece of jewelry than as a visual aid. The lorgnette maintained its popularity with ladies of fashion, who would not wear spectacles, and remained in vogue throughout Victorian and Edwardian eras. Edwardian lorgnettes were often adorned with diamond-encrusted frames.

EKH1003C1T

Suggested Retail Price: $1,400.00 Your Price: $910.00 Wholesale Price: $700.00