A stunning Victorian mourning gold brooch with a banded agate shell.

The beauty of this brooch lies in the naturalistic shape of a cockle shell and the choice of stone with this three layered agate enhancing the grooves of the shell. The gold setting therefore follows the shape of the shell and is embellished with an inner border of scallops and darts. 
A locket compartment on the reverse appears to contain silk-like material but close scrutiny reveals finely woven hair.
Shells are a charming motif in the mid 19th century jewellery design.