Antique Pinze-nez Necklace Handbeaded Take the strain

Take the strain

Handfinished with seed beads

The whole thing is lined with felt and edged with colourful small beads

red and yellow

I am always on the lookout for old sewing ephemera

Antique Pinze-nez Necklace Handbeaded Take the strainHere we have a pair of antique pince nez (French for "pinch nose" and they are indeed a snug fit!) which I have made into a lightweight, one off necklace. Pince nez were popular from the late 19th century to the early 20th century and they were usually used for reading. This example has a spring loaded bridge so that they hold firmly onto the nose. They were once considered a stylish and modern alternative to traditional spectacles and I think we