Striking Victorian 18k Gold Seed Pearl Handpainted Miniature Portrait Pin Brooch

Presented is a superb antique 18 karat gold and seed pearl miniature portrait pin or brooch. This piece dates to at least circa 1890-1905, possibly older. We believe it to be of French make but it could be American as well. The portrait is fabulously hand painted, depicting a woman in a Flemish style hat and neck ruffle, wearing a blue and white striped dress. The portrait is enclosed in a reed and ribbon border, with a halo of real seed pearls strung around the outer edge. The pin has an old C style clasp.

-jm