I have not yet tested the frame, but am certain it has at least a thick layer of 18k gold, and likely the bale is 18k. It is a locket frame, back half slipping into the top half and would likely have held a 2nd portrait in that back side, or plaiting of hair as memento, but the cover glass on the back is lost to time, along with whatever memento had been tucked therein. The woman who sat for this painting is very distinguished, certainly Louis XV era (c.1740-50s) and in height of court fashion for her time. Large pearls at her neck and repeated in drop earrings. Her hair in the style of her time, oft seen in portraits of King Louis XV's mistresses and queen. A daring low bodice with a flirt of lace, the lace repeated in her veil. No, not a bride. This type of veil in white did not appear fashionable for brides until a century later. I will test and annotate re gold on that locket frame. I think plated, not solid.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, the exception being a missing glass on the reverse of the locket style frame. The silk there is very old, making me think there was originally a plaiting of hair, which is often seen in these old love token portraits. A mistress or a wife, a lover - we have no ID, and it is not a signed work, but is a very adept portrait. Beautiful frame. Flat cover glass. I did not take the locket apart for photos, so all photos of her are through old glass. Full measurements are noted on the photos.
