-Birks 1890 Egyptian Revival Brooch In 14K Gold With Pharaoh Bust Carved In Jasper
An Egyptian revival brooch designed by Maison Birks.
Beautiful and rare brooch, created by the Maison Birks during the late Victorian period, back in the 1890. Crafted with Egyptian revival patterns in three tones of 14 karats gold. Designed as a bar, with six intricate motifs representing the lotus flowers from the Nile river. The Pharaoh portrait IS carved with beautiful details in natural reddish jasper and he's show wearing a tri-color Nemes. Fitted in the reverse with a hinged horizontal bar and a mechanical security lock to wear as a brooch.
Nemes
This were pieces of striped head cloth worn by pharaohs in ancient Egypt. It covered the whole crown and behind of the head and nape of the neck (sometimes also extending a little way down the back) and had lappets, two large flaps which hung down behind the ears and in front of both shoulders. It was sometimes combined with the double crown, as it is on the statues of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel. The earliest depiction of the nemes, along with a uraeus, is the ivory label of Den from the 1st Dynasty. It is not a crown in itself, but still symbolizes the pharaoh's power.
Egyptian Revival Jewelry
For centuries, Ancient Egypt has held the fascination of the public and continues to inspire artists and designers alike. Between the 1860 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.
Weight: 10.45 Grams, (6,69 Dwt).
Measurements: 61 mm by 23 mm (2.41 x 0.91 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker / retailer mark, the mark for the assay of the gold and signed, "BIRKS 14KT".
Maison Birks
The Maison Birks, was a jewelry company founded in Canada as a Henry Birks & Sons in 1879. They still remains as one of the most popular jewelry companies in Canada for their remarkable and recognizable designs. Their most iconic 1960's designer was Walter Schluep and Antonio Cavelti. Birks Group traces its origins to the opening by Henry Birks of a small jewelery shop in Montreal in 1879. With an investment of CAD$3,000, Henry Birks opened in 1879 a small jewelery shop on Saint James Street in the heart of Montreal's financial and commercial district. In 1893, Birks entered into a partnership with his three sons (William, John and Gerald), and the name of the firm became Henry Birks and Sons. As the focus of Montreal's commercial Centre moved northward towards Saint Catherine Street, the Birks store moved to new premises on Phillips Square in 1894, where the company still maintains a store and corporate offices. Starting in 1901, Birks oversaw the expansion of the company across Canada, with stores opening in the country's largest cities. In some cases, it bought local jewelers, adding its name to the local one (the Birks store in Toronto was Birks-Ryrie and the one in Winnipeg was Birks-Dingwall). The store on Phillips Square in Montreal opened in 1907. In 1934, Birks received a Royal Warrant of Appointment. In December 1934, Birks opened its first store in Vancouver. In 1954, the first Canadian shopping Centre opened in Dorval and Birks is the first to open a jewelry store within a shopping center. In 1953, Henry Birks and Sons bought out Roden Bros. Ltd., a company that produced silver hollowware, flatware, cut crystal, and medals.
Collateral: It is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this piece is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. All parts are secured in the settings with screws. This brooch has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: P082223XENM/.1959
