DATE: Georgian, c.1800

An elegant Georgian lace pin with a central oval locket compartment bordered by a halo of natural seed pearls. It's crafted in 15 karat gold, with domed back and original brooch fittings. The locket is home to blond hair, unusually not woven into a pleat or braid. Lace pins were used to secure a length of lace or ribbon, usually at the neck or shoulder. Although today the terms 'pin' and 'brooch' are used more-or-less interchangeably, back in the 18th and 19th centuries little pins like this would have always been referred to as lace or handkerchief pins, and larger examples as brooches. This one dates from the early 19th century, circa 1800.

STONES 

Seed Pearls

MEASUREMENTS 

1.9 x 1.6cm

WEIGHT 

3.3g

MARKS 

No mark present, tests as 15k gold

CONDITION 

Very good