There is nothing quite like holding a genuine antique in the palm of your hand, and this becomes even more exciting when it is a gorgeous and rare antique blonde tortoiseshell pique box that dates from the early 1800's.
It is astonishing to think that this box was made well over 200 years ago and has not only lasted this long, but is so exquisite to look at.
Tortoiseshell is more often found having a darker colour, whereas this was made in the lighter variety known as blonde tortoiseshell. When it is inlayed with gold and silver such as this one here, the term "pique" is then applied.
Click here to read a brief article on pique jewellery: https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/articles/history-of-pique-jewellery/
The box measures 59mm across by 50mm deep by 25mm high and the intricate detail of the gold and silver inlay in itself is just extraordinary and a true testament to the quality of work and detail that could be achieved all those years ago.
And then surrounded by a hand engraved silver border is a stunning miniature that is so adorable and simply takes your breath away.
From every angle and side that you admire this box, including even underneath, there is no doubt that this is an absolute treasure and something that will captivate your heart every time that you see it.
Stock# ET301
Circa: 1800
$Sold.
Out of stock
Antique blonde tortoiseshell pique box from the Georgian era
Piqué jewellery is a style and type of jewellery all unto itself and one that cannot be reproduced today and is so unique and spectacular. Made most popular during the Victorian era, it can be found as far back as the 18th Century and was popular throughout most parts of Europe but mostly in Italy and England.
Piqué (pronounced “pee-kayâ€) is gold or silver – or sometimes a combination of both, inlayed into another material. Quite often the material was tortoiseshell (from the Hawksbill tortoise which was also used for the making of other tortoiseshell material such as boxes etc) and sometimes even from elephant ivory.
The tortoiseshell seemed to be the most popular, probably because of its light weight and being easy to “mould†into other shapes. Tortoiseshell is a natural thermoplastic , meaning that it is quite malleable when heated/warmed. Very fine gold or silver would be fashioned into either fine “rods†or “leaf†designs and the pressed into the already warmed tortoiseshell.After the gold and silver was set, the shell was left to cool down which would then contract to hold the metal in place.
Prior to 1870, the metals were cut by hand allowing for very fine and intricate detail then after 1870, machines started to do the work resulting in more straight and angular designs. The attention to detail no matter the age is always something that never ceases to amaze people especially when you consider that these pieces were often made well over 140 years ago and still look superb today.
Piqué jewellery can most commonly be found in earrings and pendants, and the designs and colouring are amazing to admire.
This form of jewellery making is now a lost art as both the elephant and Hawksbill turtle are protected species, meaning that piqué jewellery will become harder and harder to find as the years go by.
