This is a rare, 18 karat gold, Georgian period vinaigrette pendant, circa 1830. It is rare in the use of color and pattern. I have never seen this form of enamel work , a beautiful paisley. It is enameled, front and back and opens to a decorative, pierced grill that opens and closes in place. When the pendant opens you can see that even the central flower of the grill mimics the flower on the exterior. The colors of the enamel are midnight blue, white, and green. The guilloche enamel and gold work are superb.

A vinaigrette was a utilitarian piece of jewelry. It would open and the grill would be lifted to receive a tiny piece of sponge that would have been soaked in perfume. The sanitary conditions at the time were poor and women riding in carriages would open the vinaigrette usually attached to a long chain or chatelaine, take a whiff to dispel the odors in the street.

These pieces of jewelry were created in many forms, metal silver and gold. Some were decorated with jewels. There were vinaigrettes designed to suit every pocket of affordability. This example is unique as I have never seen enamel work in this playful, artistic pattern. The enamel almost appears like fine fabric.

It measures 1 1/2 inches long with the bale. It measures 1 1/8th inches long x 1 inch across without the bale.
As this was a decorative and utilitarian piece of jewelry the condition (over 190 years) is excellent. Under close inspection there are tiny, minor enamel loses not at all visible when worn.

The chain is not included but available separately. Join it with a chain or cord or choice.
This is a work of art that is unique to the time period.

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