Antique charm miniature toy pendant in the form of a musical instrument - banjo or mandolin. Made of gold and mother of pearl. Made 19th century in Italy. 

Measures  1 1/2 inches long. Weighs 5 grams. 

Tiny instrument with awesome detail made of gold and mother of pearl. tiny details to each string, loop and key. We were told that it came from a very famous and

well-known Italian family, but due to translation difficulties, it was not possible to know exactly who. The gold of two colours - both red and yellow. The gold was

acid tested for 14k, but the loop-clasp of the chain did not test for high carat gold. 

Good condition.

A similar sized musical instrument charm/brooch is shown in CJ Bell's book on Victorian jewellery (page 31), dated 1820's and priced at $6300.-