A charming and finely made Victorian charm in 15ct gold, modelled as a turtle with the shell set with natural pearls of well-matched colour and lustre, and the head, feet and tail rendered in engraved gold. The matching of natural pearls for colour and lustre — even at the small scale of a charm shell — is a mark of care and quality that distinguishes this from a more perfunctory piece. Natural pearls, formed entirely without human intervention, are vastly rarer than the cultured pearls that have dominated the market since the early 20th century, and their use here adds a further layer of value. The turtle was a popular charm motif in the Victorian period, associated with longevity and good fortune. Hallmarked 15ct gold. Approx. 2.5 × 1.3cm; weight 2.8g.

The Details

• Circa: Victorian
• Weight: 2.8g
• Dimensions: approx. 2.5 × 1.3cm (1 × ½ inches)
• Hallmarks: 15ct gold
• Shell: Natural pearls (matched for colour and lustre)
• Detail: Engraved head, feet and tail