Antique Georgian Jewelry Set Cut Steel Paste Gold Necklace Earrings Brooch (6953)

Antique Georgian parure set consisting of necklace, earrings and brooch. Cut steel, paste, gold. Made in England 1700's (18th century). Comes in old fitted case from retailers SJ Phillips.

Measurements: Necklace is approximately 15 1/4 inches long (38.5cm) and weighs 38.0 grams. Drop is 2 inches top to bottom. Brooch is 2 1/4 inches (6cm) top to bottom and weight is 14.2 grams. Earrings are 1 inch (2.8cm) long, excluding wires and weigh 8.4 grams.

Description : Parure composed of cut steel and paste cabochon disks; stars and flowers in cut steel and gold mounts with mother-of-pearl backs. Glowing, deep red oval half-spheres with cut steel flowers on the highest part of their surfaces and bordered with gold-colored metal and cut steel outer borders. Brooch and pendant part of necklace with scrolling cut steel details and drops. Between each red disk is a large cut steel bead attached by gold-colored loops on either side and with cut steel of finer size and detail forming flowers or stars inbetween them. Three small star/flowers connect to the rectangular, tongue-in-groove clasp, which is entirely covered in cut steel. Backs of disks with mother-of-pearl discs. Original wires of earrings were replaced with new gold wires.

Front of necklace and pendant are Classic Georgian design with a trio of oval cabochons forming a drop, surrounded and mounted in scrolling cut steel that glitters like diamonds.

The workmanship of this set is exceptional. Looking at the back, we see the fine rivets of the cut steel, indicative of very early Georgian workmanship that was not to be equalled in the later, Victorian period. The set is as stunningly beautiful and wearable today as it was over 300 years ago and would dazzle at the finest party, ball or opera.

The set comes in an old, red leather and silk SJ Phillips box. This top-notch, prestigious firm was by appointment, as is indicated in the embossed inner lid.

Marks and Metal: No marks, as is to be expected of jewelry of this age. We cannot adequately test the gold parts of the mounts or gold loops, but believe them to be low carat gold. The replaced wires are 14ct gold.

Condition: Considering the age of this set, it is in very good condition with minor wear/damage commensurate with age and use. Two of the mother-of-pearl plaques are cracked (clearly shown in pictures), but this does not compromise the stability of the pieces. We noticed one little cut steel bead missing, mentioned only for the sake of accuracy. Everything else is present and in good condition. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.