Victorian 14k Gold & Black Enamel 2 Ring Bouquet Posy Holder Tussy Mussy

Presented is a lovely Victorian 14 karat gold and black enamel bouquet holder
in an interesting two-ring style. This piece is likely American, dating to the
mid to late 1800s. The bouquet holder consists of two rings, one larger and one
smaller, connected by a length of chain. The larger ring, intended to hold a
small bouquet, is beautifully adorned with black enamel in an overlapping
crescent pattern, with fine hand engraved texturing and bright cut edging. The
smaller ring, intended for wear above the second knuckle of a finger, is plain
bright gold. The chain is a very fine box style chain, with a single bead
decoration just before each of the rings. Bouquet holders were a popular
Victorian wedding accessory, but considering the use of black enamel and the
Victorian culture of mourning it's also possible this piece was intended for use
with flowers more funereal than bridal. Either way it is an interesting and
beautiful piece.

This piece is in great condition. The enamel is in great shape, with no
losses. The engraved designs are nice and crisp. There are no breaks and no
repairs.

This piece has no stamps or hallmarks, but we have tested it with nitric acid
and guarantee it to be 14 karat gold.

The larger ring is about 1 inch in diameter. The smaller is about 5/8 of an
inch in diameter, or a ring size 4. The length of the entire piece is about 5
3/8 inches.

This piece weighs 4.3 grams.

-jm