Small Basket Brooch, 19th, Gold, Silver, Diamonds And Pearls. Old Vinaigrette

DELICATE BASKET BROOCH
Crafted in 18k yellow gold woven basketwork, this exquisite brooch is adorned with wheat ears sparkling with diamonds and embellished with a silver flower branch set with rose-cut diamonds and delicate pearls, likely fine.
19th Century.
French work.

Dimensions : 2,8 x 2,4 cm approx.
Weight : 8,7 g (18k – 750/1000 – eagle head hallmark).

Condition
Overall excellent condition. A small blemish on one of the gold strips of the basket, barely visible as it is hidden under the silver branch.

History :
This petite brooch was likely originally a vinaigrette, a decorative jewelry piece with a small interior compartment intended to hold salts or a vinegar-soaked cloth for inhaling in case of fainting spells.
The hinge that secures the wheat ears suggests that this section was movable and allowed access to the inner compartment of the basket.