Antique Georgian girandole parure set earrings brooch pendant. Amethyst, rock crystal, silver and 14k gold. Made circa 1760's. Comes with very rare original fitted box. Jewelry of this period and style is usually associated with the Iberian Peninsula, but the style was found in other sophisticated European countries. See below. This set was bought in the United Kingdom.
Measurements:
Weight 52.4 grams. Earrings 1 3/4 inches (4.5cm) long, excluding the wires. Brooch 2 3/8 inches (6cm) long.
Description :
Exquisite girandole design. Each piece with square, cushion shaped amethyst placed at angle with point at top forming surmount. Beneath is a large round rock crystal, Old European cut, with ribbons of similarly cut crystals and scrolling strands emulating buds on narrow stems. Below, 3 pear-shaped amethysts are suspended; the largest in the center, the flanking amethysts placed higher on either side, in typical girandole design of the period. Gems are set in silver. Replaced wires are 14k gold are probably very similar to original wires. Top amethyst is closed at the back, drops are open-backed.
Comes in amazing bat-shaped fitted box. Scrolling, red leather and silk, embossed in gold. The backs with place for the wires of the earrings to extend through to the outside. Original hook clasp of box intact and in good shape.
While we associate the best Georgian jewelry of the period with the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal), clearly it was also made in other European capitals. We found a pair of earrings that is breathtakingly similar to our set, part of the Russian Crown Jewels, circa 1760. They were sold and resold in the West during the 20th and early 21st century, commanding a price of almost $387,000.00 in 2007. Please see 'photos.
Marks and Metal:
No marks as is to be expected of Georgian jewelry.
Condition:
Good with minor wear commensurate with age. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.
