Antique Georgian / very early Victorian jewelry set parure suite. Pair of earrings, necklace, cross pendant, girandole brooch - pendant and pair of bracelets. 15k yellow gold, garnets and turquoise. Made in England first half 19th century - circa 1820-40. Comes in original, fitted box.
Measurements:
necklace is 15 3/4 inches (40.5 cm) long and weighs 38.1 grams. Bracelets are 6 7/8 inches (17cm) long and weigh 15.8 grams each. Earrings are 1 7/8 inches (4.5cm) long and weigh 6.7 grams each. Cross pendant is 2 3/8 inches (6cm) long and weighs 14.4 grams. Girandole brooch - pendant is 2 1/8 inches (5.8cm) long and weighs 11.6 grams.
Description:
Parure with all the bells and whistles. All parts are set in yellow gold with granulation and scrolling wirework around the trellis supports to the gems. Typically table cut garnets of a deep wine red with a bright and lively glow are mostly oval in shape except for the pair on either side of the girandole drop, which are elongated pear shapes. Garnets are surrounded by marvellous Persian turquoise cabochons. The contrast and play between the gold, garnet and turquoise is exceptional and brings extra life and color to the jewelry. Garnets are close backed, typical of the Georgian era. Turquoise are open-backed, which is typical of the transition between late Georgian to early Victorian eras. Multiple gold chains connect elements with gems, also a common feature of Georgian jewelry. The cross-shaped pendant can be worn in one of two ways. It has hooks and links on either side. It can either be attached to the necklace, where it will fall at the nape of the neck. It can be reversed and thread on a ribbon or chain and worn at any desired length. The girandole shape was the most widely used design of the Georgian era. The brooch/pendant is in this form with both a pin and a hook to wear as the owner desires. Earrings are long and supple. They consist of gradated oval garnets surrounded and highlighted with turquoise. Simple wires make them easy to insert and comfortable to wear. They are quite stunning. Bracelets and necklace with the same combination of garnet and turquoise, highlighted by gold granulation and with multiple chains linking sections. The set is quite extraordinary both in its fabulous appearance, sturdy and very solid workmanship and the fact that it has remained together in its original fitted box for all of these years. Perhaps it was given to a bride as part of her wedding dowry and it is highly suitable as an engagement gift to this day.
Marks:
no marks were found, but gold was acid tested to ensure metal purity.
Condition:
good with negligible wear commensurate with age. One of the hook clasps has fallen off the box, but we have the hook. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.
