Antique jewelry glossary

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Peapod

A French decorative motif, of the 17th century, in the form of an elongated curved leaf-shape or a diminishing row of dots like peas in a peapod. It was used as enamelled decoration on some lockets, pendants, and watchcases, and also as the shape of some elaborate aigrettes and frames for some miniatures. Occasionally it was used as the shape of a metal strip set with gemstones. The French term is "cosse de pois", the German is "Schotenornamentik".

Among the leading exponents of the style were Gidéon Légaré, Jean Vauquer, Nathaniel Marchant, and Jean Toutin.

From: An Illustrated Dictionary of Jewelry, autor: Harold Newman, publishers: Thames and Hudson