Mother of Pearl Birmingham Shellwork Visiting Card Case c1880

Description

Heading : Mother of pearl card case 
Date : c1870-1890
Period : Victoria 
Origin : England
Decoration : Diamond design from mother of pearl. Silk lined
Size :  Height 9.9cm. width 5.5cm
Condition : Excellent. no chips or cracks. Catch fully functional
Restoration : None
Weight : 32 grams 

The Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham was known internationally for this type of work. They supplied everyone form the Tsars of Russia to the New York elite. The “shellwork” business grew from the early 19th century in tandem with the jewellery sector and employed more than three hundred people at peak. The shells were all imported. mostly from the South Atlantic and Pacific and thus the location of Birmingham. being more than 100 miles from the sea. was itself insignificant. The industry was still supplied boat. drawn along the network of canals.

Many thanks to R Pearsall for the information provided.