-Austrian 18th Century Egg Shaped Box In 18Kt Gold With Diamonds & Abalone Shell

Jeweled egg shaped box.

An exceptional and magnificent piece, made in the style of Louis XV in Europe. Most  probably created in Vienna Austria, back in the middle of the 18th century, circa 1760. This box is extremely rare and was carefully crafted in the shape of an egg, in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with small accents in .800/.999 silver for the settings of the rose cut diamonds. It is fitted with a discrete single barrel hinge and a push thumb. Embellished with earth mined natural diamonds and carved abalone shells from the Philippines Islands.

An egg became a symbol of life because it encloses nascent life to emerge from it. It embodies the idea of rebirth and rejuvenation in the cycle of life, reflected also in its shape, with neither beginning nor end.

Diamonds: The top part and the thumb are mounted, with 27 old European rose cut diamonds, 1.38 carats, G/H/I color, SI clarity

Abalone: Embellished with multiples pieces of very thin sliced parts, carved from natural iridescent abalone shell.

Weight: 48.60 Grams, (31.15 Dwt).

Measurements: 49 mm by 36 mm 1.93 x 1.42 (Inches).

Hallmarks: Stamped at the inside part of the rims with the maker's mark and outside the rim, with French import marks. Twice with the standing owl (Osprey-125) for the assay and warranty of the gold. Unsigned as usual for this period.

Note: The mark of the standing owl inside an oval (Osprey-125), was in use in all customs houses of France between the 1893 and 1990. It was exclusively used and only stamped over second hand gold jewelry and small gold objets made in foreign countries with a minimum fineness of .750/.999. 

Note: This piece was imported into France during the late 19th century, circa 1895.

Abalone Shell

The abalone shell is an extremely strong shell made up of a few whorls (or turns of the gastropod shell). The small dotted holes over the body of the shell are where air was taken in. Abalones come from all parts of the world and have beautiful blue, green, silver pearlized undertones.

Collateral: It is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.

Condition: The overall condition of this box is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. Very minor losses normal for a piece like this. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: D062123TERE/1.158                       (TSCN)