One of the loveliest and most unusual pieces we have had recently, dating to the early Victorian era c1850 and featuring a wonderful mix of symbolic elements.
 
First you'll notice the amazing gold sentimental hand motif at the centre, which has a stippled texture, fingernails, and is offering what may be a heart or a gesture of love (turquoise representing love), but looks rather like an egg. The egg of love... new beginnings, maybe? The cuff of the hand's sleeve is further decorated with vibrant turquoise cabochons. I have never seen a hand piece anything like this before!
 
This is applied to a beautifully polished chalcedony agate heart, in an opaque white shade with some beautiful banding on the left side, and clasped into an ornate scrolled 9K gold (tested) mount of exceptional prettiness, with swirled engravings and unusually decorative shell-like claw settings to hold the chalcedony in place.
 
Almost too romantic for words, and such a beautiful statement in wear!
 
MEASUREMENTS: Approx 1 3/4" top to bottom not including top bail loop. 15.7g in weight.
 
CONDITION: Very good, wearable antique condition - please view all close-up photos. The rear of the agate has a natural flaw to the centre which is completely stable. Any display boxes/chains shown are for photography purposes only.