Georgian Vinaigrette Locket

Early c19th miniature vinaigrette pendant in the form of an egg.c.1790.

The silver egg is engraved with a zig zag pattern very similar to ‘wriggle work’ a style of decoration more often seen in the early c18th.  The egg is pierced with multiple holes to release the scent of the perfume soaked sponge which would originally have been placed under the grille. The beautifully chased grille is gilded and still functions on its hinge and can be used just as it was over 200 years ago.

A particularly tactile example of Georgian aromatic jewellery.

2.5 by 2 cms excluding bale.