Romantic Vintage Chapel of Secrets Charm

A lovely little chapel bursting with detail, this charm has a little bit of everything! Rendered in lovely 3D detail, the chapel opens up from the base to reveal a marriage ceremony underway, with a couple kneeling before an officiant and decorated in enamel. Through the bell tower, a miniature Stanhope lens has been fitted, hiding the secret of wedding vows within. The Stanhope lens, invented in 1857, bypasses the need for a microscope in viewing micro-photographs, images mere millimetres in size! To see the image, the charm should be held close to the eye, looking through the convex end of the lens (preferably back lit with natural light - electric lighting can produce funny effects!). Stanhopes have been used in jewelry for all manner of hidden delights, from vows and prayers to tourist images to erotica.

Very good vintage condition, with light wear to all components and very minimal discolouration of the glue used within the lens. It's important to note that in order to preserve the micro image, care must be taken to not expose the charm to moisture.

Details:
• 9k yellow gold, with British hallmarks for London 1957, maker's mark FM
• Microphotograph features printed wedding vows, and "Made in France"
• 15.5 x 13.3 x 9mm
• 3.4g
• Please select from drop-down menu, chains are new-stock 10k curb link