This antique Victorian pendant/pin and bracelet set weighs 43g and is crafted in 18k yellow gold. Most probably of English artisanship, this highly elaborate 'demi-parure' artfully combines elements which characterize distinct sources of inspiration with remarkable influence upon jewelry design and production throughout the Victorian era. Each of these constituents bear an important impact upon the unique aesthetic composition of this historic work of art. The exquisitely handcrafted pin/pendant exposes a quatrefoil-motif plaque in quintessentially Renaissance style, measuring 75mm long, 50mm wide and 20mm deep, incorporating a pair of orbicular profiles within which two masterfully pierced and scrolled 'symbols of the sun' reveal the unique gold-wire and granulation techniques of the Etruscan master craftsmen rendered in repoussé gold. These symbols are embellished with a pair of flanking silhouettes enriched with twisted gold wire accents and seed pearls. A dual-tier, diaphanous plaque with gracefully curved ends appreciatively superimposes the orbicular profiles adorned with seven iridescent rosette-mounted pearls with luminance in an enchanting nuance of 'cream’ color and blend perfectly with the yellow gold surround. Majestically positioned above these emblematic profiles and suspending from the ovular, delicately reeded bale, is an enchanting Art Nouveau inspired Fleur-de-Lis silhouette, the French heraldic symbol of royalty, rendered masterfully in repoussé gold, ornamented with three lustrous 'cream' seed pearls. The rich original patina clearly visible on this eye-catching 'flower of the lily' gives a yet warmer tone to the subtly tinted yellow gold. In stunning juxtaposition and constituting the lower extremity of the pendant, are a crescent-shape profile encircling a matching rosette-mounted pearl and a foliate-motif triumvirate exposing five exotic leaves in impeccably textured gold. Suspending from the latter is a gold and pearl ornamented tassel mounted 'en tremblant' to attract immediate attention with each movement of the piece. This specific feature epitomizes the Renaissance- derived 'Holbeinesque' style, introduced by the Swiss architect Holbein whose avant-garde ideas had great impact upon neoclassical artists, amongst whom the famous Italian master designer Carlo Guilano who adopted Holbein's archeological guidelines in many of his most beautiful enameled pendants and brooches. The delicate tassel is composed of seven graduated rows of minute architecturally inspired profiles suspending 'en pampille' and rendered in granulated gold wire and repoussé work. This charismatic Victorian pin/pendant is secured with a pin and a delicately capped groove clasp on reverse. The alluring hinged bangle bracelet designed 'en suite' with the versatile pendant measures 7 inches around the wrist and 20mm wide and exposes a similar quatrefoil-motif plaque measuring 34mm long, 46mm wide, and 13mm deep. It is ornamented with pearls, corded wire and granulation accents and incorporates two Fleur-de-Lis silhouettes. Immaculate florally inspired intaglio engravings lend additional ornate aspects to this exquisite Victorian bracelet secured by a discreet tongue-and-groove closure and a figure eight safety latch. This absorbing Victorian 'demi-parure'is inlaid with a cumulative number of 32 pearls throughout.

Demi-parures were amongst the most favorite ornaments of the mid-Victorian era, designed with innumerable motifs and inspired by great variety of past and contemporary styles. They were often set with precious stones and natural pearls and combined two or three pieces extracted from a complete parure; necklace and earrings, brooch and bracelet or brooch and earrings. Bangles had become the most fashionable arm ornaments of the 1860's. They were often designed as wide gold bands set with stones or embellished with intaglio engravings of Assyrian, Greek or Etruscan inspiration which supplied some of the most beautiful bangle bracelets of the Victorian era.

D1018S1P

Suggested Retail Price: $4,800.00 Your Price: $3,120.00 $2,200.00 Wholesale Price: $2,400.00