18 carat Gold Pomander with Turquoise, Georgian

This is a very unusual piece, circa 1820. It is an 18 carat gold, unmarked but tested, pomander wrought in the lovely cannetille gold work that I love so much. It has four small Persian turquoise to add a bit of color. Of course those days were days when bathing and clothes washing was more difficult and done less frequently, and sewage and garbage often lined the streets, so it helped to have a little sponge soaked in perfume or even smelling salts. It was even nicer, if it was a lovely , pierced piece like this one, where one could wear on their chatelaine, or on a chain around the neck when one was assaulted with odor. This piece is in excellent condition, and is shaped like a tall basket. The top opens, where the sponge could be place. It could be worn on a chain today, with a perfume soaked sponge, and provide a lovely fragrance for the wearer to enjoy. This piece measures an inch North to South, and it weighs 6.64 grams.