Noblesse Oblige

Antique Earl's Crown Brooch with Pearls, Sapphires & Rubies, France c. 1890


€ 3,980.00 *
Content 1 piece
Incl. VAT, Shipping
Antique Earl's Crown Brooch with Pearls, Sapphires & Rubies, France c. 1890
Antique Earl's Crown Brooch with Pearls, Sapphires & Rubies, France c. 1890
Description
This description was automatically translated from German. If you have any questions about this piece of jewellery, we will be happy to help!
This brooch from the last years of the 19th century is in the shape of a crown. It is made of high-carat gold and richly set with rubies, sapphires and natural pearls. It is a so-called crown of leaves or helmet, a heraldic symbol of nobility. Nine prongs studded with pearls indicate the rank of count or countess. Pieces of jewellery of this kind were visible signs of affiliation and social rank and were often given as gifts or passed on within aristocratic circles. Whether this brooch also tells such a story can no longer be determined with certainty today, but its elaborate design and the precious materials clearly indicate an upscale, aristocratic context. The vivid colors of the gemstones, the interplay of materials and the meticulous execution make it likely that it was made around 1890, when figurative and symbolic brooches were very popular. Small hallmarks also allow the piece to be located in France. A comparable, albeit smaller, piece can be found in the literature by Walter Grasser and Franz Hemmerle: Kostbare Krawattennadeln, Munich 1999, p. 41.
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Natural pearls have always belonged in the art and curiosity chambers of Europe's rulers. The value of natural pearls compared to cultured pearls is obvious - as with natural gemstones, they are small natural wonders. In the c. 1900s, the price of natural pearls was roughly the same as that of diamonds of the same size, and pearls for a necklace were usually purchased individually for reasons of cost and collected until a strand was gathered. The magic that emanates from natural pearls can hardly be put into words, as each natural pearl is different from the next and has its own luster, structure and lustre. They are always wonderfully unique pieces of nature - which are almost impossible to find today.
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Size & Details
Antique Earl's Crown Brooch with Pearls, Sapphires & Rubies, France c. 1890
Noblesse Oblige
€ 3,980.00 *
Content 1 piece
Incl. VAT, Shipping
Our Promise
Our Promise
Our Promise

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