Antique early Victorian brooch enhancer / pendant. Silver, gold, pearls and enamel. Made circa 1847 by Francois Desire Froment-Meurice. This pendant comes from the Froment-Meurice family collection bought from the descendants of Francois Desire Froment-Meurice's grandson (the son of Emile Froment-Meurice).
Measurements:
Weight is 37.9 grams. Length from top to end of pearl drop is 2 1/2 inches (6.5cm)and 2 1/8 inches (5.5cm) excluding the pearl drop.
Description :
Quintessential example of the Renaissance Revival work of Francois Desire Froment-Meurice. Highly sculpted in the round, the brooch has to be held in the hand to appreciate the dimentionality of the jewel. Crafted in silver and gold with a deep royal blue guilloche enamel background to the Renaissance domes and architectural features. The brooch features St Cecilia, saint of musicians and is known as L'Harmonie in French. She is playing a violin-like instrument and is surrounded by 4 cherubs, one of which plays a harp and one of which plays a triangle.
The bottom, largest pearl is one of the replacement pearls and it is likely that originally, there was no pearl here. There is a hook, so it is easily removed. The hook was originally intended to allow the jewel to be worn on a chain or necklace as a pendant or enhancer. We are leaving the pearl for the new owner to decide.
Marks and Metal:
The brooch is signed FROMENT MEURICE. The mark is worn but legible. The hinged c-clasp must be a replacement as it is hallmarked with a swan, which was only used for silver after 1893. The brooch features a mixture of silver and gold. It is not clear how deep the gold layer extends.
Condition:
Minor wear commensurate with age. One cherub has lost his hand. The pin appears to be a replacement. All but one of the pearls are replacements. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.
This brooch has been copied by many jewelers, but few if any of them are signed Froment-Meurice as this one is and none come directly from the maker's family and most likely belonged to Francois Desire Froment-Meurice himself. It was bought from his grandson's descendants. How rare and special is that!!!
