A late 19th century gold gem and enamel bee stickpin. Designed as a circular tiger's-eye and...

The lot is in fair to good overall condition with scratches and small dents in keeping with general wear. The maker's mark is significantly worn. There are two noticeable chips to the black enamel on the head of the bee which show numerous small air bubbles but the chips do not go through to the gold base. There is also a large shallow chip to the two-tone enamel abdomen near the left wing which does just show through to the gold base. The enamel edge to the abdomen shows as uneven under a 10x loupe. There is a trace of black enamel to one of the wings. Please see important notices for purchasers in the catalogue for Coloured Gemstones. The tiger's eye shows minor abrasion. Length of stickpin 9.2cms. There is significant wear and discolouration to the case, especially the lining.