Victorian Versatility: The Dual Charm of a 1860s Brooch-Pendant

This captivating combined brooch-pendant, dating back to the Romantic Victorian Period around 1860, is a remarkable example of Victorian artistry. Crafted in 18K yellow gold, this versatile piece features nine rose cut diamonds and 18 half seed pearls, embodying the era's love for intricate design and sentimental motifs. The enamelling technique used enhances the jewel's allure, showcasing a craftsmanship that celebrates both beauty and innovation. This piece, adaptable as both a brooch and a pendant, offers a glimpse into the rich history and romantic essence of the Victorian era, making it not only a stunning accessory but also a wearable piece of history.

Antique jewelry object group: combined brooch-pendant

Condition: excellent condition
  -  (more info on our condition scale)

Country of origin: Although it does not carry any legible control marks we believe this to be of Belgian origin.

Style: Victorian - Victorian decorative arts refers to the style of decorative arts during the Victorian era. The Victorian era is known for its eclectic revival and interpretation of historic styles and the introduction of cross-cultural influences from the middle east and Asia in furniture, fittings, and Interior decoration. Victorian design is widely viewed as having indulged in a regrettable excess of ornament. The Arts and Crafts movement, the aesthetic movement, Anglo-Japanese style, and Art Nouveau style have their beginnings in the late Victorian era.
  -  See also: Victorian or more info on styles

Style specifics: The Romantic Victorian Period - Experts divide the reign of Queen Victoria, also called The Victorian era (1837 - 1901) in to three periods of about twenty years each; The Romantic Victorian Period (1837 - 1860), The Grand Victorian Period (1860 - 1880), and the Late or Aesthetic Victorian Period (1880 - 1901).

We consider this to be of the Romantic Victorian Period. This period covers the coronation of Victoria as Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, and her marriage to King Albert and their love, their devotion to their marriage and to their country are the sources of inspiration for this period. The jewels of this period are made of intricate carvings, special techniques where the enamel is subtly worked. These techniques allowed to give the jewel a certain opulence with less precious metal needed. As precious metals were really rare at that time. Highly favored (semi-) precious stones in this period are amethyst, coral, garnets, seed pearls and turquoises. The connotation is obviously sentimental, symbolic and romantic with reminiscent Gotic and/or Renaissance patterns and an abundant use of motifs like anchors, birds, branches, crosses, hearts and snakes.

Period: ca. 1860
  -  (events & facts of this era, poetry of this era, fashion of this era)

Material: 18K yellow gold
  -  (more info on precious metals)

Technique: Enamelling is an old and widely-adopted technology. The ancient Egyptians applied enamels to pottery and stone objects. The ancient Greeks, Celts, Russians, and Chinese also used enameling processes on metal objects. Enamel is the colorful result of fusing powdered glass to a substrate by firing, usually between 750 and 850 degrees Celsius. The powder melts and flows and hardens to a smooth, durable vitreous coating on metal, glass or ceramic. According to some sources, the word enamel comes from the High German word smelzan (to smelt) via the Old French esmail. Used as a noun, "an enamel" is a usually small decorative object, coated with enamel coating, such as a champlevé or a cloisonné (different techniques). and The rose cuts are set on foil. This is a special technique that was used to bring the lustre of the diamonds to its best quality.

Extra information: Brooch and pendant - Thanks to a discreetly placed ring system in the back, this jewel can also be worn either as a brooch or as a pendant. Both bail and pin can be unscrewed for optimal wear.

Diamond(s): Nine rose cut diamonds. We do not have the weight of the diamonds which is normal in our trade when it comes to rose cuts.

Precious stones: 18 half seed pearls

Birthstones: Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April. and pearl for June.
  -  (more info on birthstones)

Hallmarks: No trace.
  -  (more info on hallmarks)

Dimensions: height as pendant 9,00 cm (3,54 inch)

Weight: 18,70 gram (12,02 dwt)

Reference Nº: 17086-0044

Copyright photography: Adin, fine antique jewelry

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