Antique French mourning or memento brooch, larger than most at 28 mm x 22 mm with blond hair plaited and framed in by seed pearls and an outer border of foil-backed French paste 'gems'. Circa 1770-1810, and acid tests 9k gold, closed back. Full measurements noted on photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. No loss to the seed pearls, the cover glass and hair remain excellent. No breaks or dents to the 9k gold mount which has working pin back intact. French paste gems' foil backing is disrupted or deteriorated on some or most giving it a rare pink halo. It's possible the 2 clear ones were original or might be replacements for 2 lost to time. A rare one!
