Featured Faux Tortoise Shell Necklace - Am I Victorian Half Mourning?

I have been holding on to this for a while and came across it yesterday digging for something else lol. I believe it is Victorian faux tortoise shell. Am I correct in my assumption? Is the a half mourning piece? I'm not sure of what the actual material is. Lots of pictures. Thank you!

 

It is gorgeous Joe, and I too think faux tortoiseshell. Celluloid imo, and late 19th century.

The lyre can symbolize mourning, but also harmony.

 

Haven't seen one quite like that before. Very attractive.

 

Agree with aj. It's really well carved.

 

It's a shame that it has a couple of small chips. Mostly from the back of the piece so not easily seen.

 

People will still be interested, it is a special piece and beautiful too.

 

Splendid! The chips make me think it is genuine turtle shell, the one I can see on the ring in your pic #4 is characteristic of an insect (lepisme-silver fish) attack! (They won't bite plastic, but shell or horn are yummy as paper for them!).
If you list this, could you give the link to it (in private conversation if you prefer)?

 

I'm coming down on the side of faux also..
the material looks to clean in the cuts to be natural...imo

 

Beautifully done. Amazing if real, but still a stunner if not.