Offered for sale is  a beautifully preserved silver gilt cachou or patch box pendant dating to circa 1750-1770.Measuring 2 1/8" tall with a stirrup shaped bail, this beautiful and useful example of functional jewelry is in just as fine a shape as when it was made 260 years ago, and the fire-gilding is 100% intact! This gorgeous egg shaped pendant swivels open to reveal rather a large compartment .A lady may put a number of useful things inside, cachous (an 18th century breath mint), patches (Patch boxes came into use during the 18th century at the court of Louis XV, where the use of "beauty patches" was popular. A beauty patch was made of gummed silk and was pasted on the skin as a "beauty mark" to emphasize a woman's facial feature, usually the cheek), billet doux (love letters) perfumed wax, or whatever she desired.

This example is High Rococo, and is profusely decorated with repousee work, and hand engraving.  The motif is flowers- daises, forget-me-nots, and daffodils- and acanthus leaves, The bail of the box is identical in style and construction as those made for pocket watches from 1750-1770.  This pendant could be worn on a gold or silver gilt chain.

It weighs 15.85 grams and has no damage, pitting or repairs. If you collect the finest in 18th century silver jewels, this cachou box pendant belongs in your collection!