Large Medallion Brooch with Turquoises & Diamond, Great Britain c. 1865

Their richness of detail is one of the qualities that make antique pieces of jewellery so fascinating. This locket from around 1865 is rich in detail, making it a valuable testimony to the Victorian era. The centerpiece of the gold medallion brooch is a finely domed dome with a small diamond rose in a star-shaped silver setting at its center. The surface is set with 48 Persian turquoises, which together form a shimmering sky-blue surface. Further oval-cut turquoises sit in delicate gold frames. Fine cord decorations echo the so-called archaeological style, which was fashionable at the time and was based on jewelry forms from classical antiquity. The mysterious beauty of exotic gemstones played an extraordinary role in the design of the 19th century. Pieces of jewellery with Persian turquoise in particular enjoyed great popularity among the English bourgeoisie, as the color of these rare stones was reminiscent of the delicate flowers of the forget-me-not. They were often used in pieces that carried a sentimental meaning. The turquoises used here are set in a so-called pavé setting, in which the stones lie close together so that no metal remains visible. This technique is considered to be one of the most demanding works of the setting craft. If the surface is also curved, it requires the greatest precision and craftsmanship to hold the gemstones securely with tiny grains alone. This is also the case with this extraordinary locket, which has a glazed compartment on the back - intended for a small portrait or a lock of hair, in keeping with the sentimental jewellery of the time. We discovered this pretty locket in the south of England.

Estimate:£1,667.24

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