Gargoyle
A gargoyle is a strange-looking and fantastic head or bust which was used in architecture to drain water from roofs. The water spouted from the mouth of the creature. It was a loved theme during the Gothic period and when they are not primarily used as a waterspout, they are named grotesque. Mythological creatures and beasts of fantasy have intrigued jewelry designers and jewelry wearers for centuries. Architectural inspiration is not uncommon in jewelry design and these fantastic beasts adorning rooftops, arches, and balustrades inevitably found their way to wearable art.
Art Nouveau gargoyles often moved away from their purely functional role as waterspouts and became more symbolic, blending the original Gothic intent of warding off evil with the Art Nouveau style's emphasis on nature, curves, and organic forms.
This impressive artistic example taking the form of a lorgnette... Set front and back with a single central faceted garnet, nestled in the finely rendered silver, exhibiting repoussé technique, curvaceous scrolling lines and mythical faces.
This beauty measuring approximately 5 1/2 x 1 1/2 inches, is accompanied by an ornately decorated silver lorgnette chain.
Rare and beautiful...
The condition is very good with negligible wear commensurate with age.