VICTORIAN 3COL GOLD, GEM SEAL FOB SNAKE LYRE Antique, Victorian matched 3-colour gold fob / seal with carved gem. Made early 19th century. <P><P>
Measurements: total length is almost 1 1/4 inches (31mm). Weighs 9.7grams. The gemstone is approx 14mm ( a little over 1/2 inch) long. <P><P>
Rectangular base with rounded corners. The somewhat domed top of the base has a lyre standing in it's middle. The lyre is wrapped within a snake, whose head rests on the domed base of the fob and part of whose body forms a loop for hanging from a chain. The gold is beautifully decorated with engraving in rose colours and raised borders in a V-pattern. Close magnification shows the fabulous detail in the texturing of the lyre and the patterns on the snake's body. <P><P>
The seal under the fob is most likely a citrine with a carved monogram DM in script. The stone is faceted and foiled for wonderful reflection of light. <P><P>
With the VIctorian penchant for puns and jokes, could the snake/lyre (liar?) be a hidden message? The question can only add to our enjoyment of the charming piece. <P><P>
Very good condition.
Manufacturer: ANTIQUE VICTORIAN 3-COLOR GOLD, GEM SEAL FOB SNAKE LYRE  

ANTIQUE VICTORIAN CARRIAGE BALL EARRING COVER Antique, Victorian with strong Etruscan Revival style, 18k gold, carriage ball earring covers made circa 1850-80.<P><P>
Approx 11mm (between 1/4 and 1/2 inch) in diameter. Weigh 5 grams.<P><P>
Very rare item: in the days of carriage travel and hijackings, wealthy women covered their gems with these globes that would fit around the drop wire and gem.<P><P>
Hinged, perfectly round globes with slots to accommodate the upper loops/wires and tiny granule thumbpieces for clasping and opening the hemispheres. The surface is

entirely covered with minute, superb filigree twisted wirework, exquisitely applied in the Neo Classic, Etruscan Revival style, popular at the time. It is highly

unusual to find carriage covers, and normally they are not either as beautiful as this pair, nor in such fabulous condition.<P><P>
The earrings test for 18k gold.<P><P>
Good condition.
Manufacturer: ANTIQUE VICTORIAN CARRIAGE BALL EARRING COVERS 18K GOLD