Antique lorgnettes incorprated into jewellery

Lorgnettes are a type of eyeglasses that were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. They consist of a pair of small lenses attached to a handle that can be held up to the eyes for reading or other close work.

The first lorgnettes were developed in the early 1700s in France, where they were known as "lorgnettes de toilette." They were primarily used by women as a fashion accessory, as well as for reading and observing people and events from a discreet distance.

As lorgnettes became more popular, they were produced in a variety of styles and materials, including gold, silver, and tortoiseshell. They were also decorated with gemstones and other embellishments to reflect the wearer's social status and personal taste.

In the 19th century, lorgnettes were widely used by both men and women, and were often seen at social gatherings and events such as the opera or more... the theater. They were also used by politicians and other public figures to help them read speeches and other documents while maintaining eye contact with their audience.

However, with the development of more practical and convenient eyeglasses, lorgnettes gradually fell out of favor in the early 20th century. Today, they are primarily used as historical artifacts or as props in period dramas and other theatrical productions. less...