Antique Georgian French Necklace w St Esprit Pendant 18k Gold Enamel Paste(7024)

Antique Georgian necklace with St. Esprit pendant. 18k gold, enamel, paste. Made in France in the Cevenne Region (south west France), 1819-1838.

Measurements: Weight is 7.4 grams. Length is 20 inches (51cm).

Description : Necklace with St. Esprit triple pendant. St. Esprit symbolises the Holy Spirit and it is depicted as a bird flying down towards the earth. The 3 sections are connected via simple loops, allowing each part to move independently of one another. The upper section with Rococco scrolls, modelled flowers and linear patterns. It is set with a square green paste that looks like an emerald in the center. It was traditional for French Provincial jewelry of this sort to be set with paste gems. The bird, middle section of the St. Esprit is also finely modelled and has a long, rectangular emerald paste in its center. Finally, the bottom part of the drop is a tiny heart with beautiful repousse work. This bird and heart combination was very typical of jewelry of this sort. This style of St. Esprit comes from the Cevennes region of France, in the south-west of the country, called Cevenol. It was explained to me that St. Esprit necklaces of this sort were actually worn by Protestant women when in the company of their Catholic neighbours and friends. Whatever the case, this is a very pretty and wearable necklace and makes a wonderful spiritual choice. Clasp in the form of a barrel with modelled work that appears as filigree and granulation bordering lovely turquoise blue enamel dots. Tongue in groove clasp in good, working order. Chain with small round links in simple Georgian form.

Marks and Metal: Rams head facing left for 1819-1838 on loop of clasp and on loop connecting upper section of pendant to bird. Loop connecting bird to heart is also hallmarked.

Condition: Good with minor wear commensurate with age and use. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.