Victorian Crystal Scent Bottle and Dauber with 14k Repoussé 0.13 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond & Spinel Shamrock Cap
Victorian Crystal Scent Bottle and Dauber with 14k Repoussé 0.13 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond & Spinel Shamrock Cap
Victorian Crystal Scent Bottle and Dauber with 14k Repoussé 0.13 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond & Spinel Shamrock Cap
Victorian Crystal Scent Bottle and Dauber with 14k Repoussé 0.13 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond & Spinel Shamrock Cap
Victorian Crystal Scent Bottle and Dauber with 14k Repoussé 0.13 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond & Spinel Shamrock Cap
Victorian Crystal Scent Bottle and Dauber with 14k Repoussé 0.13 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond & Spinel Shamrock Cap
Victorian Crystal Scent Bottle and Dauber with 14k Repoussé 0.13 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond & Spinel Shamrock Cap
Victorian Crystal Scent Bottle and Dauber with 14k Repoussé 0.13 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond & Spinel Shamrock Cap
Victorian Crystal Scent Bottle and Dauber with 14k Repoussé 0.13 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond & Spinel Shamrock Cap
Victorian Crystal Scent Bottle and Dauber with 14k Repoussé 0.13 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond & Spinel Shamrock Cap
Victorian Crystal Scent Bottle and Dauber with 14k Repoussé 0.13 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond & Spinel Shamrock Cap
Victorian Crystal Scent Bottle and Dauber with 14k Repoussé 0.13 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond & Spinel Shamrock Cap
Victorian Crystal Scent Bottle and Dauber with 14k Repoussé 0.13 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond & Spinel Shamrock Cap
Victorian Crystal Scent Bottle and Dauber with 14k Repoussé 0.13 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond & Spinel Shamrock Cap
Victorian Crystal Scent Bottle and Dauber with 14k Repoussé 0.13 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond & Spinel Shamrock Cap
Victorian Crystal Scent Bottle and Dauber with 14k Repoussé 0.13 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond & Spinel Shamrock Cap
Victorian Crystal Scent Bottle and Dauber with 14k Repoussé 0.13 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond & Spinel Shamrock Cap
Victorian Crystal Scent Bottle and Dauber with 14k Repoussé 0.13 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond & Spinel Shamrock Cap
Victorian Crystal Scent Bottle and Dauber with 14k Repoussé 0.13 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond & Spinel Shamrock Cap
Victorian Crystal Scent Bottle and Dauber with 14k Repoussé 0.13 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond & Spinel Shamrock Cap
Victorian Crystal Scent Bottle and Dauber with 14k Repoussé 0.13 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond & Spinel Shamrock Cap
Victorian Crystal Scent Bottle and Dauber with 14k Repoussé 0.13 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond & Spinel Shamrock Cap
Victorian Crystal Scent Bottle and Dauber with 14k Repoussé 0.13 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond & Spinel Shamrock Cap
Victorian Crystal Scent Bottle and Dauber with 14k Repoussé 0.13 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond & Spinel Shamrock Cap
Victorian Crystal Scent Bottle and Dauber with 14k Repoussé 0.13 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond & Spinel Shamrock Cap
Victorian Crystal Scent Bottle and Dauber with 14k Repoussé 0.13 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond & Spinel Shamrock Cap
Victorian Crystal Scent Bottle and Dauber with 14k Repoussé 0.13 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond & Spinel Shamrock Cap
Victorian Crystal Scent Bottle and Dauber with 14k Repoussé 0.13 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond & Spinel Shamrock Cap
Victorian Crystal Scent Bottle and Dauber with 14k Repoussé 0.13 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond & Spinel Shamrock Cap

OB585

Victorian Crystal Scent Bottle and Dauber with 14k Repoussé 0.13 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond & Spinel Shamrock Cap

Valued at $1,465.00 Our Price$895.00
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Shipping calculated at checkout.
  • Unique find! Only 1 available.

  • Shopping pre-owned is choosing sustainable luxury
  • One-of-a-kind item exclusively curated for you
  • Ships with full insurance + signature confirmation

General Information:

  • Total Carat Weight: 0.13 ctw
  • Precious Metal Weight: The gold lid that tops the bottle cannot be removed, so its exact pennyweight cannot be specifically calculated. However, it is roughly estimated to be about 4 to 6 dwt, give or take.
  • Precious Metal Material: This piece was sold to the shop as 14k, is stamped as 14k, and tests as 14k with a high karat bloomed finish (read more about this process in "The Story" below.
  • Dimensions: This bottle measures 77.05 mm long overall, from the very top to the very bottom. The top of the gemstone-encrusted lid measures 22.75 mm in diameter, and the dauber measures 17.75 mm long.
  • Weight: An extremely impressive 30.07 grams
  • Markings: The exterior rear of the gold cap's neck is stamped with "14KT".
  • Era: This construction, glass fabrication type, finishing details, gemstone faceting matrices, stylistic elements and motif, precious metal composition and finish technique all point to circa 1870, which is just before the last quarter of the Victorian era.
  • Buyer Notes: This palm-sized masterpiece is a beautifully aesthetic, highly collectible object of virtue, boasting luxury at every angle. While a historically utilitarian component of a lady's vanity, it exists today as a relic of a more opulent era, saturated in symbolism and artistry alike. There are no exact comparables on the open market at the time of research and listing, making this piece a delicate rarity, with an assayed (verbal) valuation of about $2,150. This is not a formal, written appraisal but may be assistive to prospective buyers considering an investment.

Specifications:

  • Center Stone Type: Diamond
  • Center Stone Count: One (1)
  • Center Stone Dimensions: 2.35 x 2.15 mm, measured as mounting permits
  • Center Carat Weight: 0.05 ct, by historic formula per the dimensions and using the specific gravity of diamond
  • Center Stone Shape: Old Mine Cut
  • Center Stone Color: I
  • Center Stone Clarity: VS2
  • Center Stone Type: Red Spinel
  • Center Stone Count: One (1)
  • Center Stone Dimensions: 2.10 x 1.90 mm, measured as mounting permits
  • Center Carat Weight: 0.04 ct, by historic formula per the dimensions and using the specific gravity of spinel
  • Center Stone Shape: Antique Cushion to Old Mine Cut
  • Center Stone Color: Vivid pinkish-red (visually identical to pigeon's blood red ruby), color attributed to chromium deposits
  • Center Stone Clarity: Semi-translucent
  • Center Stone Type: Blue Spinel
  • Center Stone Count: One (1)
  • Center Stone Dimensions: 2.15 x 1.95 mm, measured as mounting permits
  • Center Carat Weight: 0.04 ct, by historic formula per the dimensions and using the specific gravity of spinel
  • Center Stone Shape: Antique Cushion to Old Mine Cut
  • Center Stone Color: Vivid Kashmir blue (visually identical to unheated southern Asian sapphires), color attributed to cobalt deposits
  • Center Stone Clarity: Semi-translucent

      The Story:

      An exceptionally rare and deeply desirable collector's item, this one of a kind scent bottle hails from the second half of Queen Victoria's reign. It is designed in the "lie-down" fashion, an ergonomic attempt at a comfortable and convenient palm-sized accoutrement to a lady's vanity. Scents were seen as intimate necessities to civilized personal hygiene, as any number of controlled or uncontrolled circumstances compromised one's smell. Prior to the affordability, widespread distribution and common use of soaps, functional baubles were held, worn or carried to mask undesirable odors of oneself or one's surroundings. Furthermore, belief during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries ruled that disease was spread through foul air, so it was very common practice for gentlemen and women to carry fragranced accessories, such as this, to combat the threat of airborne illness.

      Before bottles such as this became standard, vinaigrettes were the tool of choice. Vinaigrettes were handheld or oversized pendant-like decorative boxes made of fine and precious metals, often engraved, chased, enameled and bejeweled, which could open to reveal a compartment covered by a hinged latticed grate, which secured a small sponge cut to size and soaked with distilled and perfumed vinegar or scented oils. When experiencing disagreeable aromas, one simply held the vinaigrette under the nose until the more pleasing scent prevailed or the other aroma passed. By the early and mid Georgian period, most (though not all) vinaigrettes were replaced by miniature bottles, oftentimes hung from a chatelaine, causing the trend to become most popular amongst ladies. As the chatelaine fell out of fashion, the miniature perfume bottle maintained its fashionable hold, and eventually became exclusively associated with the opulence of the upper class.

      History recalls that the French aristocracy associated with Kings Louis XIV's and Louis XV's courts were so ardently fond of the use of perfumes that their courts earned the epithet "La Cour Parfumée", translating from French as The Perfumed Court. Even the Last Queen of France, the famed Marie Antoinette, donned a fragrance developed exclusively for her by her perfumer and apothecary, the renowned Jean-Louis Fargeon. Monsieur Fargeon advertised his many specialties to include scents and perfumes, herbal and lavender brandies, scented and skin-restorative accessories such as gloves, floral concoctions, invigorating waters, facial and body makeup, rouge pomade and sticks and more. His special recipe for the Queen was inspired by the Petit Trianon, her treasured and private retreat tucked away within the gardens of Versailles. It is said that the Queen's perfume included lavish ingredients such as rose, petitgrain, orange blossom, bergamot, lavender, lemon, iris, violet, lily, galbanum, tuberose, sandalwood, vanilla, benzoin, narcissus, cedar, amber and musk.

      With the popularization of handheld perfume bottles also came the emergence of the Etui, a lidded pocket-sized container designed to hold "les nécessaires", or necessities. Etuis are, themselves, revered works of art, oftentimes made of precious materials such as gold and silver, leathers or shagreen, with velvet or silken linings, and many were ornately decorative to their exterior. Etuis were a sign of wealth, and something of a precursor to the handbag. While some etui cases were sold as readymade kits, others were sold as pocket-containers and filled with whatever tools the purchaser so desired. Common inclusions were sewing needles, a thimble, bodkin and scissors, small keys, fobs and seals, a miniature knife, a writing instrument such as a pencil and ivory writing tablet, and of course, a small scent vial. While this jeweled bottle would not have originally been homed within an etui, it represents the etui's evolution within fashion history, as it is an even more embellished rendition designed to be beheld and adored outside of the confines of a case.

      The golden top lid is superbly detailed, and is intended as a permanent fixture to the crystal glass vial. It shows some wiggle if pressed and/or turned with the finger, but largely remains firm and does not come off. The top's perimeter undulates with the texture of fine repoussé metalwork, which creates a billowing foliate design encircling an iconic mid to late Victorian motif: the tritonal shamrock. Fashioned with three gemstones of radiant color, the shamrock silhouette is hand-engraved with a trio of delicate bead prongs set at the outermost points of the leaves. An chevron-shaped engraving forms the shamrock's stem and geometrically grounds the design. From the topmost leaf beams a bright and sparkly Old Mine Cut diamond, while the left leaf holds a ruby-red spinel, and the right leaf holds a sapphire-blue spinel. Likely selected as somewhat more economical alternatives to untreated ruby and sapphire, these spinels certainly do not disappoint, and utterly exude color and life. 

      The Victorians are a venerated people within storied jewelry history, as they are known for their creative interpretations of stylistic elements, attributing symbolism to every last detail. In sum, every article, every pattern, every motif, design and emblem could be woven together and 'read' to reveal the depths of their deliberate significance. This piece can be read in this way, and offers loads of meaning of its own: 

      The repousséd perimeter is meant to allude to stapes of garland style designs, inclusive of forget-me-nots as a reference to loyalty beyond the confines of time and circumstance; roses as a reference to admiration and devotion; and unfurling acanthus leaves as a reference to perseverance. Acanthus plants have been utilized by numerous cultures over thousands of years to symbolize strength, as they are known to survive in even the harshest of conditions. With the presence of acanthus blooms, there is typically also the presence of cyma swirls. Cymas reference the ebbs and flows of the unknowns and knowns of life, a complement to the unwavering strength embodied by the acanthus.
      The shamrock, a symbol for good fortune, conveys a message of virtue through each of its three leaves: loyalty, amiability and integrity. St. Patrick is commonly associated with shamrocks, a connection to the plant's metaphorical demonstration of the sacred mystery of the Holy Trinity, in which God is also Spirit and Savior, a perfect triune that shows God as a father, a friend and a bridge. Shamrocks are protective amulets, guarding the wearer from harm and suffering, while also bestowing upon them both grace and honor. The shamrock's amalgamated symbolisms remind us that the divine is a living essence indwelling in all beings.
      Finally, the gemstones add yet another layer to the story: diamonds represent fortitude and strength, time-forged beauty and the constance of fidelity of the heart. Rubies and red spinel represent fiery passion and affection, while sapphires relate to royalty and spiritual superiority. Indeed, every element herein speaks to the cherished aesthetic and historic power of this astounding palm-sized treasure.

      By placing an order, you accept and agree to uphold all of Revival Fine Jewelry's terms, conditions and policies.

      General Information: All additional jewelry boxes, ring boxes, and other jewelry items pictured alongside a featured listing are considered props, are for photographic and display purposes only and are not included in the transaction unless otherwise noted. Items do not come with physical documentation, appraisals, or certifications, unless explicitly stated in the item description and/or title. While jewelry is inspected upon procurement by the shop as well as prior to shipment, Revival Fine Jewelry cannot guarantee a warranty once items leave our inventory, given the delicate and individual nature of secondhand articles and the unaccountability of buyer handling post-purchase.

      Shipping: All orders are carefully packed within a branded Revival Fine Jewelry gift box, secured with recycled materials when possible, and shipped within a discreet outer shipping parcel. All orders ship with tracking, insurance and signature confirmation. Shipping options are presented at checkout. Per law and inegrity, international orders are always marked as commodity imports and customers are responsible for any and all customs expenses, VAT taxes and import fees, as well as any clearance costs legally dictated by their respective destination countries. These expenses are not calculated into the pricing structure, and returns based on import costs will not be permitted.

      Returns: While Revival Fine Jewelry aims to provide a smooth experience from start to finish, customers are encouraged to reach out regarding any issue or dissatisfaction, so that we may work together toward a resolution. If a return is desired, the shop must be notified of an intention to return within 3 days of confirmed delivery, and item(s) must be shipped back to the shop within 7 days of confirmed delivery. All materials (gift box, inserts, cards) must be returned with the item(s). Returns declared after the 3 day window and/or postmarked after 7 days of receipt will neither be accepted nor refunded. Customers are responsible for generating an insured return shipping label (international customers included) and relaying the tracking information to Revival Fine Jewelry. Returns that do not include full insurance and/or tracking, and are damaged or lost in transit, will not be refunded. If a return is accepted, customers will be refunded less the original cost of shipping, handling and insurance, the expense of any damages incurred, and a 10% restocking fee (of the original purchase price). All sale items, items altered or resized by the buyer post-purchase, and all storage/ boxes are considered final sale and are ineligible for a return or refund.

      Sale Terms: Sale prices are only valid within the prescribed sale window, unless otherwise stated by Revival Fine Jewelry or agreed upon between Revival Fine Jewelry and a designated customer. To maintain business sustainability and general fairness, individual customers are not entitled to exclusive notification of, or owed access to, store sales antecedently. Orders processed prior to a promotion or sale, items placed on layaway prior to a sale, and payments paid through layaway prior to a sale will not be retroactively adjusted to reflect sale pricing or terms.

      Specially Negotiated Deals: Items purchased at specially negotiated discounts, deals or prices through any platform between Revival Fine Jewelry and a designated customer are considered final sale, including rates arranged and agreed upon via Facebook, Instagram, email or any other method. Closing deals at special rates reflects a desire by both parties to reach an expeditious and absolute sale. The intention of specially negotiated discounts, deals or sale prices through any platform between Revival Fine Jewelry and a designated customer, is to eliminate extra expenses and/or use of time and resources to formally list or re-list items per their specific and inherent value-determining qualities, as well as avoid unseen overhead business costs, stocking obligations, and all other disclosed or undisclosed monetary and nonmonetary expenditures.

      Pricing: Revival Fine Jewelry reserves the right to decrease, increase, alter and modify inventory pricing to meet market rarity, demand or value; to offset platform, transaction or seller's fees; to adapt to economic inflation and fluctuation; and to defray specific business expenses. Pricing is the sole discretion of every small business.

      Regarding Brooches & Pins: Often significantly and curiously undervalued jewelry items, brooches, pins and stick pins are treasured pieces of history in this shop. Accordingly, their pricing is calculated analogous to other fine jewelry, including their symbolic meaning, rarity and historical prestige. Such pieces are typically converted to other forms of jewelry, and are therefore becoming increasingly rare in their original states. Aside from being perfectly wearable as sophisticated lapel ornaments, brooches and pins of all kinds are prime candidates for many kinds of fine jewelry conversions, including rings, earrings, pendants, and charms, if so desired by the consumer post-purchase. Revival Fine Jewelry does not perform conversion projects for customers.

      Regarding Storage & Boxes: All specifications, including but not limited to the measurements, age, origins, and material compositions are supplied in good faith as professional estimations constructed using professional grade tools, years of learned and honed skills, educational resources and academic scholarship, and refined research methods. Regardless of our confidence in our descriptions and the photographs deemed viable extensions of these descriptions, we cannot guarantee the definitiveness, faultlessness, or exactitude beyond our knowledge and expertise. Kindly keep in mind that this and all items are sold as-is vintage, antique and estate secondhand wares, and consequently bear conditional wear in matter and operation commensurate with age and use.

      More information on these, and more, topics may be found in the shop policies.

      All layaway terms may be found here, and all shop policies may be found here.

      Layaway is available for full priced, non-sale items priced $600.00 USD or greater, and items may not be combined to attain price-eligibility. Plans are offered as 3-month/90-day maximum terms.

      In exchange for offering interest-free plans, customers agree to abide and uphold the following nonnegotiable terms and conditions:

      • A 30% deposit is due upfront to reserve the item for layaway and pull it from public sale on all of our shopping platforms. Shipping expenses are added to this first payment unless otherwise requested.
      • The remaining 70% balance is divided up into three subsequent monthly payments due on the same day of the following three months. If delinquent, a $20.00 USD late fee is added per day to an overdue payment until paid.
      • In the event that a layaway installment is left unpaid for seven (7) days and no communication is received from the designated customer, the layaway plan will be presumed abandoned. While the item will be returned to public sale, all payments made hitherto are still considered final.

      Layaway items are promptly boxed and shipped to the designated customer once the final payment successfully processes. Taxes, import and other legal fees are not calculated into the payments, and are the sole responsibility of the customer, whether a domestic US or international buyer. Revival Fine Jewelry is not responsible for calculating, covering or adding such costs into purchase prices.

      All layaway payments as well as all items purchased through layaway plans are considered final sale; neither payments nor items may be refunded, transferred, exchanged or returned. Revival Fine Jewelry does not issue store credit.

      Revival Fine Jewelry reserves the right to cancel any layaway plan at any point for any reason if fraudulent activity is suspected. In this event, the designated customer will be notified prior to the intended cancellation of their plan.

      Request a layaway plan via email here. Remember to specify your desired item by providing its link, title or SKU/code.