Rare c.1830s French Portrait Miniature, Hair Art with Seed Pearls, 14k Gold Large Frame

Early 1830s, possibly slightly older, but the fashion and hairstyle help identify his point in time. So perfectly preserved, not a single tiny tiny seed pearl in the elaborate monogram is out of place. An elaborate plaiting of this gentleman’s hair still perfectly in place in the backside of the gold frame. It tested fine at 14k. It might be 15k or 16k. I only have acid for 14k and 18k. Likely English gold will be higher than 14k on this item. Tested both body of the locket-type frame and also bale. Each polished convex cover glass remains excellent, as well. Photos have been taken through the thick cover glass so some glares and some slight distortion – he is an outstanding painting, though I do not see a signature of artist. Finest quality in all ways!

Very good to excellent condition, I can’t find a flaw to note. Wearable as a large locket, it was likely a mourning icon, or a token of love for a future bride. Seed pearls, however, were iconographical as the tears of a mourner, and are often seen in mourning portraits, and particularly along with hair. I believe this is a French gentleman, or at least it is in a French manner (painting). More typical for French would be 18k gold, however.