Antique Art Nouveau Lorgnette 14k Gold Demantoid Garnets Diamonds c1900 (6984)

Antique Art Nouveau Lorgnette. 14k yellow gold, demantoid garnets and diamond. Made circa 1895 - 1905.

Measurements: Length (excluding loop) is 4 1/2 inches (11.5cm). Weight is 32.8 grams. Demantoid garnets approximately .80ct and diamond approximately .25ct.

Description : Lorgnette - magnifying glass for seeing details more closely as done during the Art Nouveau era with fabulous style, art and craftsmanship. A luxury item as much for show as a beautiful jewel as it was functional. The lenses are contained in a case with superb repousse gold scrolls and foliage, set with a central diamond and 4 beautiful demantoid garnets. The elongated oval handle ends with a pair of loops, allwing the lorgnette to be worn on a chain or ribbon and thus to be easily available and ready to be used. A gold catch releases the glasses, held by a tight coil and enclosed in gold frames. When open, the two lenses seperate, like a pair of spectacles. One lens folds over the other and they are tucked back inside the case, clicked shut by the same catch. The back of the case is decorated in the same manner as the front, but without the gems.

Marks and Metal: no marks found. Gold was acid tested.

Condition: Good with negligible wear commensurate with age. When we got the lorgnette, one lens was cracked, so we had them replaced. The original lenses are available to the new owner upon request. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.