14 Karat Yellow Gold Victorian-era Ladies Holder with enamel designs.  This lovely and RARE jewelry-like item is actually a holder for Ladies items from the 1880's to early 1900's era.  It is a tong-based holder that opens to hold various items: a cigarette, with a slider mechanism that when pushed up, adjusts the tension and grips the cigarette firmly. Or, it could have secured a Ladies handkerchief at the ready. Or, it could have been used as a skirt-lifter (for example, when flitting about the dance floor - or perhaps even securing a dance card at the ready.)  A chain connects the holder to a ring that fits on the lady's pinkie finger.  A truly unique item that was made to distinguish one's status in the world.  (Thus proving the Victorians had an item for every conceivable use!) The dimensions are 4 and 1/4 inches in length, and 0.8 inches wide when the holder is fully open.  See photos with ruler for confirmation.