Set of Four Antique Mother-of-Pearl Fruit & Dessert Forks

A refined set of four 19th-century European fruit & dessert forks, featuring luminous mother-of-pearl handles paired with beautifully shaped brass tines. These petite forks were traditionally used for enjoying delicate fruits and pastries during the Victorian and Belle Époque eras — a time when table etiquette and presentation were considered an art form.

Each fork showcases an ornate brass collar, gentle curves, and a soft pearlescent sheen that catches the light beautifully. Their scale and craftsmanship make them as functional as they are decorative, perfect for elevating both everyday tables and special gatherings.

Era

Late 19th Century

Origin

France or England (commonly produced in both regions during this era)

Materials

Mother-of-pearl handles

Brass collars and tines

Hand-finished detailing

Condition Notes

Patina to the brass with gentle wear consistent with age. Natural variation and soft surface marks to the mother-of-pearl, all authentic to their years of use. Overall beautifully preserved and structurally sound.

How They Were Traditionally Used

• Soft fruits: berries, pears, grapes, melons
• Light desserts: tarts, pastries, cakes
• Small bites: olives, cheeses, hors d’oeuvres

How to Style Today

• Add charm to a cheese or dessert board
• Rest inside a styled tray or open book
• Use for fruit, pastries, or charcuterie spreads
• Display with crystal and brass for a collected old-world look