Antique jewelry glossary

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Fausse Montre

See our: fausse montre.

Fausse montre (French), literally, false watch. An imitation watch that was carried on the right-hand side, in addition to the genuine watch that was carried on the left side, or carried on one end of a macaroni.

The former did not have a time-keeping movement, but included a small mirror, a pincushion, or vinaigrette. Although many were made inexpensively of gilt metal, some were almost as luxurious as the real watch, with a gold or silver case having an enameled or jeweled back.

Men and women carried such pieces in the late 18th century.

From: An Illustrated Dictionary of Jewelry, autor: Harold Newman, publishers: Thames and Hudson