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Brenda Ginsberg Antiques & Jewelry

Antique Holbeinesque Locket Pendant 14k Chased Gold Garnet Gem Enamel (6563)

Antique Holbeinesque Locket Pendant 14k Chased Gold Garnet Gem Enamel (6563)

Regular price $9,250.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $9,250.00 USD
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Antique early-mid Victorian locket pendant. 14k gold, enamel, cabochon garnet (carbuncle) and chrysoberyl. Made in England circa 1870.

 

Measurements: Approximately 1 1/2 inches (4cm) long. Weighs 15.9 grams. 

Description : This is the epitomy of Holbeinesque jewelry - part of the Renaissance Revival mania of the Victorians. A large cabochon garnet carbuncle is set in a raised gold mount, the sides of which are beautifully adorned with delicate enamel work in red, blue and green on a gold ground. This is surrounded by a generous rounded border, also enamelled in these colors with flowers in gold reserves alternating with square stations, each set with a faceted, pale yellow chrysoberyl. The back of the locket is just as fascinating. Since enamel would be rubbed off, it is all in gold, beautifully chased and engraved in a design of flowers, foliage and scrolls. The border surrounds a crystal backing on a gold ring that can quite easily be removed from the locket. This would have enclosed a romantic or sentimental object - a little portrait or even woven hair of a loved one. 

The top of the pendant has a pretty surmount and bale (loop) decorated to match the rest of the locket, in the same enamel work. 

Marks: No marks, typical of English, Victorian jewelry. Gold was tested for metal purity. (In fact, it was sold to me as 18k, but I knew that as an English piece, it would probably be 14-15k).  

Condition: Good, with very minimal wear to enamel of bale, mentioned only for the sake of total accuracy. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.

 

Holbeinesque jewelry is named after Hans Holbein, whose paintings and portraits portrayed sitters with luxurious jewels, during the Renaissance period. The Victorians created jewelry that aimed to emulate this Renaissance style, in particular the rich gold and enamel work of Holbein and this is known as Holbeinesque jewelry.

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