Rare Antique Caged Glass Perfume Bottle | 18k Gold Plate & Red Heart Paste Stone

Presenting an exceptional antique miniature perfume bottle, a quintessential example of Romantic-era vanity elegance. Standing at a petite 6cm, this remarkable piece features a highly sought-after “caged glass” design. The deeply ribbed, warm amber-toned glass body is masterfully encased in an intricate 18-karat gold-plated filigree framework.

The crowning feature of this bottle is its opulent front presentation: a massive, deeply faceted red heart-shaped paste stone simulating a ruby, set within a textured gold-plated bezel. This centerpiece is surmounted by a regal crest of vibrant red cabochons, marquise-cut stones, and brilliant iridescent aurora borealis paste stones. The bottle is sealed with a magnificent, domed cap that is heavily jeweled with matching clear and iridescent stones, housing the original intact glass dauber.

Historical Context

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, miniature “caged” perfume bottles were the height of luxury, designed for high-society ladies to carry their bespoke fragrances in their evening bags or chatelaines. The Romantic period heavily influenced jewelry and vanity design, making the heart motif a popular symbol of love and devotion. The meticulous use of “paste” stones—high-quality, hand-cut glass polished to mimic the brilliance of precious gems like rubies and diamonds—was a respected art form in European craftsmanship. The combination of vivid red paste, brilliant gold-plated filigree, and intricate glasswork makes this piece a stunning surviving artifact of historic boudoir opulence.

Item Specifications

Condition Report

This antique vanity piece is in extraordinary, collector-grade condition, having been meticulously preserved.

• Front Decoration: The prominent red heart paste stone is completely secure and free of major surface scratches. The surrounding red and iridescent accent stones are all present and retain their brilliant sparkle 

• Metalwork (Cage): The 18k gold-plated filigree remains structurally flawless with a bright, lustrous finish. The side profile shows the beautiful depth of the cage and the raised setting of the central stone . The reverse side features a pristine heart-shaped cutout framing the ribbed glass (

• Cap & Hardware: The heavily jeweled screw-top cap is entirely intact, with all stones securely set within the floral-embossed gold plating . The cap threads smoothly onto the glass neck.

• Glass & Dauber: The inner ribbed glass body shows no visible cracks or chips. The delicate, original glass dauber wand remains perfectly intact and firmly attached to the cap .

Shipping & Handling

Given the delicate historical nature of this artifact, it will be packaged using professional-grade, archival-quality protective materials to ensure absolute security during transit. Please review the shipping tab for calculated rates and international delivery options.