Victorian 1870 Etruscan Revival Agate Cameo Pendant In 15Kt Yellow Gold With Pearls
Victorian convertible pendant-brooch.
A beautiful bold piece, created in England during the Victorian Era (1837-1901), circa 1870. This convertible pendant-brooch has been crafted in the Etruscan revival style in solid yellow gold of 15 karats. Suited at the reverse with a hinged horizontal pin bar with a lock to wear as a brooch and a retractable swivel round loop to wear as a pendant in a chain.
The main decoration is an oval (23 x 31 mm) three layers high relief cameo framed in a bezel, carved from natural frosted white agate and shiny high polished black onyx.
The frame around is embellished with eight stations that are mounted with 24 natural round white pearls of 3 mm.
The quality of the carving is exceptional, with intricate thorough details. For example, the ear and the incised lines of the hair are magnificent. The carving depicts, the dressed portrait bust of the classical Greek-Roman goddess, Diana the huntress, facing to the right wearing long drop earrings and beads necklace.
Has a total weight of 21.3 Grams and a measurements of 57 mm by 41 mm (2.25 x 2 Inches).
The Victorian, era is one of the most influenced and influential periods of antique jewelry. This period is defined by the British monarch, in this case, Alexandrina Victoria, the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, as well as the Empress of India, years 1837-1901. There are 3 sub-periods within this era. First, the early, Romantic period, which is soaked in traditions, natural motifs in gold and silver, clear stones only being worn during the day and colored gems by night.
The second being the Grand or mourning period, which coincides with the death of Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert the consort, who died in December of 1861. This period included large, dark, somber, dramatic jewelry, with a lot of black onyx, jet wood, amethyst, garnet and gold. This lasted until 1880's, when the aesthetic period of jewelry began.
The Late or third stage of the Victorian period, use more complex and feminine motifs, returning to the natural, including many floral and celestial designs, with more decadent gemstones, lasting until the turn of the century. The Victorian era of jewelry includes many movements found in other countries, including revivals such as the Etruscan the Roman and the Egyptian as well as the Art Nouveau, Liberty style and Arts and Crafts design movements which lead into the beginning of the twentieth century.
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: They are accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this pendant is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. All the gemstones, are secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: P0000MMNE/.3993
