c1800-1850 Victorian 14k Gold Hand Painted Miniature Portrait Hairwork Pendant

Presented is a fabulous Victorian 14 karat gold miniature portrait and
hairwork pendant. This piece dates to 1800-1850 and is likely of American or
European make. The pendant is oval in form, with a painted miniature portrait on
one side under glass and woven hairwork on the reverse under glass. The portrait
is beautifully painted, very lifelike and full of detail, showing a solemn older
woman in a headcovering. The level of detail is truly exceptional, to the
realistic fleshtones, expressive eyes, and the folds and textures of her
clothing. The hairwork on the reverse is finely woven medium brown hair in a
leaflike design. The pendant has a loop or bail at the top.

The pendant is in great condition. The portrait is in excellent shape, clean,
with no losses to the paint. The glass has no chips and no cracks. The hairwork
on the reverse is also in good shape. The gold has no breaks, no monograms, no
monogram removals and no repairs.

The pendant is not stamped or hallmarked, but we have tested it with nitric
acid and guarantee it to be at least 14 karat gold. The gold tests strong for
14k, so it is likely a higher karat, possibly 15k or as much as 18k.

The pendant is about 2 inches long, including the loop/bail at the top, and
about 1 3/8 inches wide.

The pendant weighs 21.8 grams.

-jm