Most women do have some type of mirror in their purses. Usually they are in combination with make up. But anyone who has used a compact with pressed powder in it can tell you that the mirror is often dusty from the product. These kinds of mirrors are disposable to be thrown out when the product is gone. And if the mirror is on the side of a lipstick case it is so small all you can see is one small portion of your face. Often women will spend a couple dollars on a round plastic mirror in a protective case to keep in their bags, but these don't have any real style or meaning.

In the past women often possessed very ornate compacts made from silver with intricate patterns, pictures, or stones on them. These compacts were made by jewelers to be a thing of beauty. The functions of these compacts could vary from a place to carry pressed powder or even a place to carry medication.

Finding these antique compact mirrors can be difficult. You might find new versions of them in specialty jewelry stores. But the most common place to find them would be in uncommon places. Estate sales are a good place to start, not only could you find a compact but find out a little of the history of the piece. Sometime the best part of owning an antique is the history and the people who possessed it before you. Antique shops are another option; you might find them there, but miss out on the history of the piece. You could get lucky in your search and find an entire purse set with a compact, matching lipstick case, and pill box. These types of set were very popular from the twenties to the forties.

If you don't have time to search the stores for one, the internet is a great place to find things. Online auction sites are full of antiques. But you must remember any time you buy something online it may not look as good when you get it as it did on the web picture. And you can't tell from a picture if it is really an antique or a reproduction.

So an antique compact mirror can be the perfect gift. When you consider the wonderful history that could be given along with the gift. The original owner could have been a young bride on her wedding day getting a compact from her mother, then passing it down to her own daughter on her special day. A sweet history can give warmth and charm to a thoughtful gift.