18 carat Victorian Seashell Pendant

Stylish 18 carat Victorian seashell pendant c.1860.

10.4 grams.

Shell 4 cms by 2.5 cms excluding bale.

Incredibly modern design for a Victorian piece, with a beautiful bloom to the gold.There is evidence the original pin has been removed for conversion to a pendant. This large shell was likely the brooch to a demi-parure of shells.

The shell motif in jewellery had long been a symbol of travel, protection, as well as femininity but the birth of the British seaside holiday during Queen Victoria's reign sparked a collecting craze which was known as Conchylomania.