Georgian Grape Vine Fob With Amethyst Intaglio
I haven’t bought a fob in so long. Often they are a bit dull, or have obscure monograms which I worry about finding a home for. This fob, well this fob is EVERYTHING. I didn’t hesitate. Dating to around 1820, we have the most intricate grape vine decoration in gold, it is so so detailed, just glorious.
I’ve been studying the bale, and was trying to figure it out, when I realised it was a tiny coiled snake! Admittedly, (especially compared to the grapes and leaves) it is a fairly crude rendering, but we have etched scales and little boggly eyes which are so cute I can forgive the simplicity of it.
Inside the base sits a cushion shaped amethyst, into which is engraved ‘All’s well’ in very attractive script. The subtext of this fob is utterly positive and well meaning. The vines represent fertility, prosperity and abundance, good wishes!! If we want to think more about the link to wine, which I personally would automatically do, we’re looking at Dionysus, the Greek god of fun times, or Bacchus, the Roman equivalent, the God of wine. ‘All’s well’ when the wine is flowing, right?
Era
Late Georgian, circa 1820
Material
9ct gold top, I am presuming the base is heavy gold cased, as is usually the way with these fobs. It’s very hard to prove it’s solid so I am playing it safe! Amethyst intalgio.
Measurements
Height 22mm, base is 15 × 12.5mm
Weight
3 grams
Condition
Very good antique condition
I haven’t bought a fob in so long. Often they are a bit dull, or have obscure monograms which I worry about finding a home for. This fob, well this fob is EVERYTHING. I didn’t hesitate. Dating to around 1820, we have the most intricate grape vine decoration in gold, it is so so detailed, just glorious.
I’ve been studying the bale, and was trying to figure it out, when I realised it was a tiny coiled snake! Admittedly, (especially compared to the grapes and leaves) it is a fairly crude rendering, but we have etched scales and little boggly eyes which are so cute I can forgive the simplicity of it.
Inside the base sits a cushion shaped amethyst, into which is engraved ‘All’s well’ in very attractive script. The subtext of this fob is utterly positive and well meaning. The vines represent fertility, prosperity and abundance, good wishes!! If we want to think more about the link to wine, which I personally would automatically do, we’re looking at Dionysus, the Greek god of fun times, or Bacchus, the Roman equivalent, the God of wine. ‘All’s well’ when the wine is flowing, right?
Era
Late Georgian, circa 1820
Material
9ct gold top, I am presuming the base is heavy gold cased, as is usually the way with these fobs. It’s very hard to prove it’s solid so I am playing it safe! Amethyst intalgio.
Measurements
Height 22mm, base is 15 × 12.5mm
Weight
3 grams
Condition
Very good antique condition
I haven’t bought a fob in so long. Often they are a bit dull, or have obscure monograms which I worry about finding a home for. This fob, well this fob is EVERYTHING. I didn’t hesitate. Dating to around 1820, we have the most intricate grape vine decoration in gold, it is so so detailed, just glorious.
I’ve been studying the bale, and was trying to figure it out, when I realised it was a tiny coiled snake! Admittedly, (especially compared to the grapes and leaves) it is a fairly crude rendering, but we have etched scales and little boggly eyes which are so cute I can forgive the simplicity of it.
Inside the base sits a cushion shaped amethyst, into which is engraved ‘All’s well’ in very attractive script. The subtext of this fob is utterly positive and well meaning. The vines represent fertility, prosperity and abundance, good wishes!! If we want to think more about the link to wine, which I personally would automatically do, we’re looking at Dionysus, the Greek god of fun times, or Bacchus, the Roman equivalent, the God of wine. ‘All’s well’ when the wine is flowing, right?
Era
Late Georgian, circa 1820
Material
9ct gold top, I am presuming the base is heavy gold cased, as is usually the way with these fobs. It’s very hard to prove it’s solid so I am playing it safe! Amethyst intalgio.
Measurements
Height 22mm, base is 15 × 12.5mm
Weight
3 grams
Condition
Very good antique condition
