Antique Gold Pendant Brooch with Amethysts & Pearls, c. 1905

Amethyst is the violet variation of quartz. The color spectrum ranges from the deep violet of Siberian amethysts to a delicate, cool, almost pinkish tone, which is also known as "Rose de France". Its name is derived from the Greek "amethystos" - "counteracting intoxication" - and expresses the ancient belief that its wearer was immune to the intoxicating effects of wine. In the Middle Ages and even in antiquity, amethyst was therefore used to cut numerous craft objects such as drinking cups, of which a few precious examples have been preserved in museums of applied arts. This piece of jewellery combines two of these stones with natural pearls to create a cheerful, light design. The amethysts have a wonderful lavender color and shine particularly beautifully next to the white natural pearls. The pieces of jewellery are made from very light, almost white gold. The piece of jewellery can be worn as a brooch and pendant. This dual use was once quite common, as brooches and pendants were worn in the middle, on the collar of a high-necked white blouse. Only the choice of high or low neckline determined whether the piece of jewellery adorned its first owner as a brooch or pendant during the day. We discovered the very well-preserved work in London and it was in Great Britain that the piece of jewellery was once created.

Estimate:£825.2

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