FRENCH 1880 Etruscan Revival Pendant-Brooch In 19Kt Gold With Natural Pearls
French Etruscan revival pendant-brooch
This is a beautiful convertible pendant-brooch created in Paris France during the Victorian era (1837-1901) back in the 1880, This piece has been crafted with exceptional craftmanship of depicting Etruscan revival patterns in solid rich yellow gold of 19 and 18 karats. It is embellished with thirty-eight white-gray pearls of different sizes. The piece is fitted at the reverse with a hinge horizontal pin bar with a hook to wear as a brooch and a concealed ring to wear in a chain.
Country: Paris, France.
Period: Etruscan Revival, 1880.
Gemstones: Mounted in bezel and prongs settings, with 38 round white-pink-gray pearls graduated between 1.5 to 4.5 mm.
Weight: 17.30 Grams. (11.10 Dwt,).
Measurements: 65 mm by 27 mm (2.56 x 1.06 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with several French marks; the maker's mark, the mark for the assay and warranty of the 18 karats yellow gold and electronically tested with results as follows, ".750/.999 Au".
The Victorian Era
This 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.
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. 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: This French Etruscan revival pendant brooch is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this French Etruscan revival pendant brooch is excellent. Beside the little normal wear there is no damage to the gold. The 38 pearls are secured in the settings. This piece was carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: P182025MREN/.4158
