The tiny dots - just dots, not swirls or squiggles or flowers or leaves - are made of 18k gold and were pressed into the dark tortoiseshell orbs when the material was heated. Tortoiseshell is an early thermoplastic; making it hot allows it to be shaped, stamped with patterns, or inlaid with precious metals. Here, simplicity shines.
MATERIALS: 18k gold (tests), tortoiseshell
AGE: c. 1870
CONDITION: Very good
SIZE: 1 3/4" length measured from the top of the ear wire, 1/2" diameter of pique spheres