Antique Georgian demi-parure jewelry set consisting of day-night top drop earrings a pendant cross and a necklace. 18k gold and paste. Made in France circa 1798-1819. Comes in original, fitted box.
Measurements:
Weight is 14.9 grams. Necklace is 16 1/2 inches (42cm) long. Cross is a little over an inche (3cm) long. Earrings are 7/8th inch (a little over 2cm) long.
Description :
Imperial topaz or bright goden citrine paste, table cut and set in gold colettes with filigree edges. The gleam of the paste gems is astonishing - bright, golden and full of movement. Each square is linked via small gold loops to a 4-lobed flower with textured surface and crossed batons within.
The front with a cross drop pendant, in identical work (alternating gems and flowers) with golden globules at the terminals of the arms.
The clasp is typical of the late 18th - early 19th century a boxed tongue in groove clasp that clicks easily into place.
The necklace is accompanied by matching earrings. The earrings can be seperated into two parts: the tops, which are identical golden topaz paste that can be worn alone by day and the disassembled drops (easily removed by sliding them off the wires), which are in the form of small torpedos, a shape popular during the Georgian period. The drops with small loops that allow for fully independent movement.
French workmanship is fabulous.
The set comes in its original, fitted box. Red leather outside, silk inner lid and velvet, shaped bottom inside. A pair of hooks closes the box securely.
Marks and Metal:
Necklace with chicken hallmark (called coq in France). One earring also with chicken hallmark and the other with a later, owl mark. The chicken mark was used between 1798-1819 for 18k gold.
Condition:
Good with minor wear commensurate with age. A few of the gold flowers are slightly bent - easily straightened and mentioned for the sake of accuracy. Box in great shape considering the age of the piece. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.
THE STORY:
During the 18th and early 19th century, the French held paste in high regard. They produced magnificent jewelry in 18k gold and paste. Sometimes, they mixed natural gems with paste. They never dismissed it as inferior to natural gems. The high regard for paste as an equally luxurious material, is indicated by the quality of the workmanship in this set.
Today, many jewelry collectors and sellers have come to understand the rarity and value of these fabulous jewels. Their costs have skyrocketed on the rare occasion that they come up for sale. This is a particularly beautiful, versatile, wearable set. As we know, the French were the leaders of the luxury goods market and this demi-parure is a reflection of why they attained that status. Colors, work and design are all fantastic.
It's especially marvellous that the set survived well over 200 years intact and in its original, fitted box.
