SNAKES BUGS & FLOWERS Rare French Georgian Antique 18k Gold Micromosaic Spinner Pendant Fob

 

ABOUT:

Rare and wonderful multi-stone micro mosaic spinner fob with double coiled snake setting. This moveable and whimsical delight is set with five micro mosaic panels on a spinning wheel with an additional two settings, one on each side. Each panel depicts a different image in tiny micromosaic tiles - a ladybug, a fly, a moth, a bouquet of flowers, and a sailboat. All different designs and colors each set into a different color background stone including goldstone / sunstone, and background colors of green, red, purple and blue.

These rotate on a the frame which extends up to the two snakes with scale texture creating the bale. Adding to its charm, we have the provenance of the French Georgian era hallmark for 18k gold, which was used only from the late 1700s to very early 1800s.

I could not say for certain if the background stones are glass or semi-precious stones / minerals. They did not test on my gem tester so they may be glass, but it may also be the setting and the micro mosaic artwork making it hard to get a reading on the little outline. One panel is a green stone that is vacant, and one panel on one end appears to be a faceted coral.

Definitely one of the most whimsical pieces I have had to offer with so many wonderful design elements.

Chain in photos is not included (although I do have a snake chain listed in the shop).

MEASUREMENTS:
The piece measures 28mm from the bottom of the spinner to the top of the snake heads, by 18mm wide. It weighs 4.25 grams. The panels are small which makes the detail so amazing. Each is oval is about 8 by 7mm give or take (sizes slightly vary).

MARKS:
Georgian era late 1700s to very early 1800s French hallmark for 18k gold on the snake body.

IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
Please note that all my pieces are pre-owned and in estate condition. The one green panel is vacant and has a crack through it with a chip of loss but the stone still appears complete / oval and is secure in the bezel. Discoloration and build up between the little micromosaic tiles seen mostly under magnification and especially noticeable on images with the white background. A missing tiny tile here or there, a few to the sailboat, but amazing detail on such small panels and wonderful to find them all still legible despite age of over 200 years. Surface wear of course, some scuffs and nicks. Spins smoothly and perfectly. The piece is actually quite stable and wearable with no loose tiles, although I would not soak it or aggressively clean it for fear of loosening the intricate work.

But - Please note due to age, this piece is not in mint condition. Pictures also serve as part of the description and condition report so please utilize the zoom feature which will magnify any wear significantly more than what is visible to the eye while wearing : )

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SOCIAL:
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