She was born to do it... the Romani blood ran wild in her veins. And though she may have chosen a safer, quieter life than those before her, she could never deny that she was chovihani, teller of fortunes. In the evenings they would come, tapping upon the glass of the back door... and always she would let them in and offer visions, solace or strange solutions.

A genuine, antique gem tintype, depicting a dark-haired woman, with a broad mouth, gentle eyes and unassuming gingham frock. Her cheeks bear the faintest hint of a blush. Trimmed and paired with an ornate victorian, blackened brass link and exquisitely detailed flower. Strung upon a simple blackened brass chain.

The form of tintype (also referred to as ferrotype or sometimes melainotype) known as a "gem" is a small photographic image usually anywhere from 3/4" to 1" wide and 1¼" high made possible by the use of a multi-lens camera with repeating back which therefore could produce multiple exposures on a single photographic plate. In terms of quantity, the gem was the most prolifically produced form of photograph in the 1860s in America. Aside from the speed of its production, the gem was also inexpensive and its small size made it suitable for mounting in jewelry such as lockets and brooches. Like daguerreotypes and ambrotypes before it, hand colouring was also possible and rouging of the subject's cheeks was the most common form of this.

Measurements:
length - 17.5 inches
tintype - .75 x 1 inch

*Each tintype is coated in a layer of polyurethane varnish to protect against any further aging or deterioration during normal wear.
*Not intended for wear in the shower.

Have any questions? Contact the shop owner.