Tortoiseshell

A beautiful padlock that was made circa 1830. It is blonde tortoiseshellAn organic material (not a shell) that is obtained, not from a tortoise, but from the overlapping horny top plates (called 'blades') covering the carapace (upper shell) of certain marine turtles, preferably the hawksbill turtle found of the West Indies and Brazil and the loggerhead turtle found near the Celebes. More with ornate bright cut engraved gold overlay featuring roses, thistles and a shamrock design. It signifies the union of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. On one side is a purely decorative keyhole with a raven on either side. Attached to it is a blonde tortoiseshell carved anchor that represents Englands supremacy at sea. An unusual and lovely piece of historic jewellery}

A lovely pair of tortoiseshellAn organic material (not a shell) that is obtained, not from a tortoise, but from the overlapping horny top plates (called 'blades') covering the carapace (upper shell) of certain marine turtles, preferably the hawksbill turtle found of the West Indies and Brazil and the loggerhead turtle found near the Celebes. More drop earrings that are in great condition. They were made circa 1870. When Prince Albert died there was a fashion for black jewellery in sympathy with Queen Victoria’s loss. Many items were produced in Whitby jet and tortoiseshell which at first were plain and then, as the century wore on the items became more decorative and were inlaid with gold and silverA metallic element which is malleable and ductile, and white in colour, making it ideal for use in jewellery. It is usually mixed with copper to improve its hardness. More and mother of pearlThe iridescent inner layer of certain molluscs such as oysters or abalones which is used as a decorative inlay. More to lighten the look. These double sided earrings are inlaid with silver and gold beehive and laurel leaf pattern with a flower inlaid in to each top. The ear wires are silver}

A fine example of a late 19th century tortoiseshell hair comb with applied gold decoration. The decoration is extremely elaborate and incorporates baroque foliage of roses and flowers. This decorative element is held in place with fine rivets which pass through the shell and can be seen from the back. It is based on the Spanish peineta that is used to hold up a mantilla. This ornamental comb, usually made in tortoiseshell originated in the 19th century. It consists of a convex body and a set of prongs and is often used in conjunction with the mantilla. It adds the illusion of extra height to the wearer and also holds the hair in place when worn during weddings, processions and dances. }

A tortoiseshell brooch that was made circa 1880. At that time England was in mourning following the death of Prince Albert and it became fashionable to wear black pieces of jewellery. These pieces gradually became more decorative and as with this example were inlaid with gold and silver threaded patterns. This brooch has a star in the centre and looks quite dramatic when worn. }

A pretty tortoiseshell heart shaped pendant that has been inlaid with flowers and a scallop shell motif around the edge. PiqueWhen Prince Albert died it became fashionable to wear black jewellery in sympathy with Queen Victoria’s loss. Many items were produced in Whitby jet and tortoiseshell which at first were plain and then, as the century wore on the items became more decorative and were inlaid with gold and silver and mother of pearl to lighten the look. This heart pendant was made circa 1870 and is in excellent condition. It comes with a gold loop on the top that does not appear in the photographs. }