BEAU BRUMMEL Georgian 15k Quizzing Glass, c.1825!

Antique & Vintage Jewelry : Antique : Fine : Georgian : Quizzing Glasses/Gold

 

Dating to ca. 1820-1830, this is the grandest quizzing glass that I have had in my Ruby Lane stock for years!

This lovely Georgian-era quizzing glass reflects the epitome of Regency style and quality! The 15k yellow gold frame and handhold to the glass are deeply chased and engraved with a foliate motif on both sides, and the folded loop design is magnificent (gold unmarked but tested)!

This quizzing glass would have been worn by a wealthy Dandy of the Regency era; these gentlemen of fashion were far too vain to wear spectacles, but quizzing glasses gave them both a proper view, and an air of aristocracy! As Prince Regent, the future King George IV wore a similar quizzing glass on a black ribbon around his neck, visible in extant paintings of the monarch. SO POSH!

Measuring 2 3/4" long x just over 1 1/4" wide, this splendid quizzing glass is a genuine statement piece! This jewel weighs 13.4 grams. It retains its original hand-ground beveled lens, which has very weak magnification. The lens has sustained a very small chip to one corner, but this is not uncommon with quizzing glasses of this great age. Otherwise, this jewel is in 100% all-original, pristine condition, without repairs!

This quizzing glass could be fitted with your own prescription lens, or with a 10x lens for the ULTIMATE jewelry loupe! Just take it to your local eyewear boutique, and they will cut and set the lens for you at little expense! The quizzing glass retains its original screw fitting which will easily allow for a change of lenses. It is very rare to discover a quizzing glass crafted in 15k gold; most are heavily gilded! I acid-tested this piece, and it held strong at 15k, with no evidence of a base metal core!

If you love the finest in Regency-era jewelry, this quizzing glass will make a wonderful and highly wearable addition to your collection! It looks just as impressive today worn on a black ribbon as it did when it was sported by a fashionable Dandy almost two centuries ago! It would also make a wonderful Valentine's Day gift for any lady or gentleman fond of the finest in Georgian jewelry. (Or better yet, treat yourself this year - you deserve it!) This one is a rarity - do not miss it!

Item ID: 679