GEORGIAN FRENCH NORMANDY 18ct GOLD & PASTE SAINT ESPRIT DROP PENDANT 18th CENTURY
£1,200.00
DESCRIPTION AND CONDITION
Of substantial size, the beautifully cast dove dropper is stunningly decorated with hand cut and hand pave set diamond pastes: it is articulated to encourage sparkle through movement. The gold filigree work is also liberally set with coloured and diamond pastes, with non missing. Condition is very good: there is naturally some age commensurate wear, but this is limited to the reverse, so not visible when worn: there are a few tiny dings to the domed back of the dove, and there is an antique repair to the top left side.
Dimensions: 6.5cm X 4cm
Weight: 11.6g
Materials: 18 CARAT GOLD/PASTE
Origin: FRANCE
Age: 18th CENTURY
Marks: NONE, BUT TESTED
An exceptionally rare, authentic French 18th century regional Saint Esprit-the holy Dove of Peace descending to earth-Devotional Icon drop pendant. This piece does not belong to the Victorian British revival of the later 19th century, the fashion for so-called ‘Peasant Jewellery’ that saw a lot of the traditional French designs for Saint Esprit and the Regional Crosses recreated in the old styles, and as far as my researches are able to ascertain, exclusively in silver; as almost all the 18th and early 19th century original French Saint Esprit pendants were. This is the first example of its age -and in this traditional style- to be wrought in gold, and not silver. Being high (18ct) carat gold, this pendant is extremely rare, and would have belonged to a wealthy French Catholic Noble woman for wearing on ceremonial occasions.
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