Victorian Cat's Eye Operculum Riviere Neckalce memento mori comprised of seven gold balls

comprised of seven gold balls

Set with a shield-shaped bloodstone panel

It was made in Victorian England

with a wonderfully hand-chased crown above - a typically Victorian sentiment

Victorian Cat's Eye Operculum Riviere Neckalce memento mori comprised of seven gold ballsDATE: Victorian, c. 1880 An unusual antique riviere necklace set with 15 operculum stones. These curious 'gemstones' (commonly known as cat's eye or shiva's eye) arean anatomical part of the marine snail; operculum literally means "little lid," and they form a sort of trapdoor over the opening in the shell. They're mounted in closed back silver settings, each one attached to the next with two silver chains. STONES Operculum MEASUREMENTS Wearable