This Georgian fob is crafted in lush tricolor gold, its body chased with foliage and flowers and topped with a meticulously rendered scallop shell, set with a small turquoise cabochon. The seal underneath is a polished, unengraved carnelian—never cut, perhaps intentionally left blank. Why a shell? In the Georgian era, shells—especially the scallop—evoked classical themes of pilgrimage, love, and rebirth. They referenced Venus (born from the sea), as well as journeys of the soul.
MATERIALS: tricolor 14k gold, carnelian, turquoise, new 14k gold chain
AGE: c. 1800
CONDITION: Very good
SIZE: 7/8" x 1/2", 18" chain