Antique Victorian Tortoiseshell & Operculum Heart Pendant

A striking and authentic shell and operculum all original heart pendant from the Victorian era, c1900! The heart shape pendant consists of two polished tortoiseshell slices joined together with silver rivets around the outer circumference. At a quick glance, the silver rivets are almost reminiscent of the earlier Pique jewellery work. A convex operculum rests at the centre of the heart pendant. The lovely hue and convex form of the operculum giving almost an evil-eye appearance! The tortoiseshell colour is dark opaque brown to lighter transparent brown and the operculum has deep forest green fading to tan-brown and creamy white around partial edges. A gorgeous warm-tone combo in a most unique antique pendant! Simple silver rings attach to the top.

Operculum was extensively used and prized in Victorian times and beyond. It was said to ward off evil and bring good luck. Operculum is essentially a 'trapdoor' to snails - while the snail is alive the operculum is a flexible membrane, but afterwards it hardens and becomes alike a calcareous "seashell". Perfect for jewellery adornment … well as the Victorians thought so anyhow!