More a veil of secrecy to a seemingly magical image with just a turn of the wrist.

Starting the New Year with what is singularly THE most astounding jewel The Three Graces has ever represented...

From the French Revolution and resistance, this 18k gold and enamel pendant appears as a beautiful, classically inspired plaque and pendant.

The front utilizes guilloche cobalt blue enamel over engine-turned gold—the center seems to be a blue-hued blank cartouche with a gold border.

But look closer, for this jewel is not only something exquisite to behold but has a resonant, historical meaning. For that is no empty blue field. Not at all... tip it up and down, and all is revealed; the image underneath comes to light. It is astounding to see. View the video!

The intricate motif is an open birdcage on a three-legged plinth. The door is open, and resting upon it is a bird that has escaped its prison. Atop the cage is another bird looking down at its partner.

The bird resting on the door is not far from the cage, symbolic that citizens are never far from the rule of the French King. Plants and greenery are evident below and to the sides of the ornate cage.

Beside the central plaque are two white enamel Doric columns. Then, more evident than the central panel, also in vivid blue enamel, are stately urns and flowers.

Outside these, two more urns in gold and white enamel.

This masterpiece, entirely handmade, was created circa 1800 in France and is an exceptionally rare museum piece.