Antique French Miniature Portrait Necklace

A happy find on a rainy market morning this past fall in France, we were thoroughly enchanted by this stunningly detailed, hand-painted miniature dating to c. 1900. A silver bezel set with glittering marcasites frames a young lady wearing pink roses (a symbol of gentleness, grace, and innocence) in her then-trendily powdered tresses. While we have given her a modern sterling silver chain, she was likely originally worn on a silk or velvet ribbon as a choker.

In a time before photography, miniature portraits were often intimate gifts given within the family as a means to keep an image of a loved one close. Particularly popular among the nobility and gentry of England and France—as well as among sweethearts and soldiers—miniatures could be produced in surprisingly petite sizes. More micro than miniature, tiny portraits were often executed to fill keepsake lockets, watch cases, or even to be set into a ring or bracelet.

Undoubtedly an heirloom carefully preserved for generations, this lovely antique miniature promises to delight for many more to come.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. 18"L sterling chain. Portrait measures 2"L x 1.5"W.