Mid-Victorian Turquoise Pomander Pendant

$2,500.00

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Mid-Victorian Turquoise Pomander Pendant

$2,500.00

Description

DATE: Victorian, c.1870

An attractive antique pomander pendant dating from the mid Victorian era. As well as being studded with turquoise cabochons, this little sphere has holes allowing a scent of your choice to sweeten the air around it. This one's crafted in 9 karat rose gold, circa 1870.

The pomander - ancestor of the vinaigrette - has been used in England at least as far back as the 14th century, it's thought originally designed to contain antidotes to infection before evolving into a general pocket scent dispenser. The name is an Anglicisation of the French "poimne d'ambre" - literally apple (or ball) of amber. And that's amber as in ambergris, the waxy grey/black substance produced in the digestive systems of sperm whales (gross) BUT apparently it's super pleasant-smelling when it's been aged. By the 16th century pomanders would more commonly contain combinations of scents, ambergris or musk mixed with costly oils possessing antiseptic qualities - sandalwood, camphor, myrrh, etc. - and rosewater (getting much more appealing now). This mixture was referred to as the "pomander", it's only later that the vessel took on the name of the contents. How did they keep the pomander moist and firm though? A commonly cited ingredient is "garden mould" (gross, again). Queen Elizabeth I wears huge and ornate pomanders in a number of portraits, and by the late 18th century vinaigrettes were made in great numbers before gradually falling out of fashion in the 1890s.

STONES

Turquoise

MEASUREMENTS

1.6 x 1.4cm (not including jump ring)

WEIGHT

1.9g

MARKS

No marks present, tests as 9k gold

CONDITION

Good, the hinge is a little loose but still closes securely. Excellent antique patina.