Italy 1850 Roma Papal States Grand Tour Etruscan Revival Bracelet In 18Kt Yellow Gold
Roman grand tour Etruscan Revival Ricordi bracelet.
Magnificent historical piece, created in Roma Italy during the Papal States period back in the middle of the 19th century, circa 1850. This fabulous Grand Tour bracelet has been crafted with Etruscan revival patterns in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with the surfaces finished with textured and polished details. Fitted with one slider pin lock and a safety chain for extra security.
The design is made up of seven elements connected to each other with seven cylinders in the shape of Roman Cryptex. The four on the back are each inscribed in high relief with the letters R.O.M.A. in reference to the city's memento.
The three frontal ovals are decorated with the images carved in high relief of the three Roman graces. The Graces appear as divinities associated with beauty and love. In the Iliad and the Odyssey, the two great epic poems of the 8th century BC., the Graces are linked to Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and through her they are associated with love, beauty, fertility and desire. In most mythological sources it is stated that the Graces were daughters of Zeus and Hera, and that they were called Aglaia, Euphrosyne and Thalia, or "Beauty", "Jubilo" and "Abundance".
Gemstones: Two layers carvings of natural seashell with oval natural black onyx gemstones.
Weight: 60.85 Grams, (39.01 Dwt).
Measurements: Length 7.75 Inches (19.75 Cm). Width 41 mm (1.61 Inches)
Hallmarks: Each element is stamped with the old Papal States assay marks for the gold. Five times with the Crossed Keys and a Cardinal Capello inside a triangle and one time with the maker's lozenge cartouche with the number 117 for the Roman identification goldsmith.
History of the Hallmark: The first statutes of the guild of Roman goldsmiths date back to 1358, in which was stated the rule of the warranty punch. The University of Goldsmiths was founded in 1508 and the statutes approved the following year introduced the use of the master's mark in addition to the previous guarantee mark. In 1738, with the reform of the Statutes of Goldsmiths, the guild acquired the name of "Nobil Collegio degli Orefici ed Argentieri di Roma" (Noble College of Goldsmiths and silversmiths of Rome). The warranty mark used prior to the French invasion was a series of "crossed keys of St. Peter under a liturgical umbrella" enclosed into shields, ovals or other geometric shapes.
Note: It was in 1870, the conquest of Rome marked the end of Stato Pontificio (Papal State). Italy attained its unity along with a unique system of hallmarking, introduced in the Regno d'Italia (Kingdom of Italy).
History: Between the 1820 and 1890, ancient cities were discovered, such as Troy, Pompeii and Alexandria. Archaeological excavations in Egypt, Greece and Rome, discovered artistic pieces of these ancient cultures. These fabulous discoveries, stimulated cultural trips to these countries, popularly called "grand tour". Being the case that the enthusiast visitors bring back small objects, like souvenirs to be assembled into jewelry. The starting point of these trips were in the cities of Rome and Venice. this is why the craftsmen of these cities created small and interesting objects with ancient characteristics like this cameo.
Revival jewelry: The styles from the renaissance and Middle Ages, begun in the 1850’s, The Renaissance and Egyptian revivals were joined by a classical revival of Greek and Etruscan styles to conform a new aesthetic. As a result of the construction work on the Suez Canal in the mid-1860’s and the Egyptian excavations of Auguste Mariette and the resultant exhibit of Egyptian treasures at the exposition Universelle in 1867, a fascination for all things Egyptian and ancient cultures developed.
Note: Many nineteenth-century jewelers, the most famous being the House of Castellani, were inspired to create their own versions of these ancient pieces, hence “Etruscan Revival.” Characteristics of Etruscan style jewelry include use of high karat gold and semi-precious stones like lapis, malachite and agates, and most distinguishingly, the use of intricate filigree and granulation.
Collateral: It is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this bracelet is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. All gemstones, are secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: B0000SSNM/1.756
