18K Gold Rare Georgian Quizzing Glass Pendant with Fleur de Lys

A delicate 18K gold quizzing glass pendant from the late Georgian era, featuring a symmetrical fleur de lys design around a handle full of whimsy and charm. A quizzing glass is a single magnifying lens on a handle that would be used to enlarge an object in view. This antique dates to the 1840s and is in stunning shape, which is rare. The term “quizzing glass” first appeared in the late 18th century, and soon these objects were just as fashionable as they were functional. They were considered jewelry, often made out of gold, pinchbeck, sterling silver, and other base metals. These pieces would be worn around the neck, hung on a ribbon or gold chain by both men and women.

This charming quizzing glass pendant measures 2-1/2 inches from the tip of the round handle to the edge of the gold frame around the magnifying glass. The handle at the top is a perfect round circle that organically flows into the flowers that connect to the glass piece itself. Around the circular handle there is a 18 karat gold bale, making this piece ready to hang on the chain of your choice. The piece has no gold marks but has been acid tested to 18 karats of yellow gold. This piece is truly remarkable. Its sinuous lines are feminine and slender; the smooth yellow color colors are punctuated by cross-hatching textures that create a repeating pattern around the flowing piece.

There are some minimal scratches on the glass due to the age of the piece, but it is still fully functional and this does not detract from its beauty. The glass is the original one, with a bezel around the edge, and has strong magnifying potential. The glass has an approximate diameter of 1-1/8 inches in size. This piece weighs approximately 11.3 grams. The piece is a fine example of Georgian jewelry, with both beauty and function. If you wish to replace the antique glass with a newer one, the frame around the magnifier can be unscrewed by a jeweler. The glass can be taken out, or alternatively simply restored with a professional polish.

This quizzing glass piece is a rare collectible, and wonderful piece of history, appearing to be French in style. Works well as a unisex gift, or a fabulous addition to your antique collection! Pictured here is the quizzing glass as pendant on a chain; this item is sold as is, but we have many chains available at Kirsten's Corner should you need one.