DATE: Victorian, c.1880

The hourglass (aka sand timer), along with it's obvious practical uses, has long been associated with death - particularly the brevity of individual human existence. Often found on grave stones from the middle ages through to the Victorian era, occasionally with the words Fugit Hora (Latin: 'Hours are Fleeting’ or ‘Time Flies'). This miniature hourglass pendant dates from the late Victorian era, and, while it does measure out a length of time (approx. 3 seconds), it was likely intended as a symbolic Memento Mori piece more than anything else. Modelled in 9 karat gold with glass inner chambers, dating from the 1880s.

MEASUREMENTS 

18.9 x 9.5mm

WEIGHT 

1.6g

MARKS 

Stamped 9ct

CONDITION 

Good, one of the three twisted "arms" as detached at the bottom which our jeweller will repair prior to shipping