Zeitgeist

Antique Locket Pendant with Essex Crystal of a Canary, c. 1860s

€ 3,980.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Antique Locket Pendant with Essex Crystal of a Canary, c. 1860s

Description

This description was automatically translated from German. If you have any questions about this piece of jewellery, we will be happy to help!

Who doesn't know the red ruby, the blue sapphire, or the green emerald? This pendant shows us another, very special jewel: it is a so-called "reverse intaglio", i.e. a cameo whose motif has been cut into a clear rock crystal cabochon from behind. Colour was then applied to the recesses. Viewed from the front, the motif thus appears particularly three-dimensional and finely shaded; it looks so vivid that one hardly suspects the effort that once went into its artful production. This technique - now also known as "Essex Crystal" - emerged in the 1860s and became particularly widespread in Victorian Britain. The motif is also very Victorian: it is a yellow canary gazing at us from a green, finely sculpted branch. Canaries were a popular pet in Europe and America throughout the 19th century, even across social classes. In the middle of the 19th century, the British in particular promoted the keeping and breeding of canaries; breeds such as the "London Fancy" or "Norwich" were created. The pendant has a large bail, thanks to which it can also be worn on a velvet ribbon or a thicker chain, as was customary at the time. Like the format and design of the pendant itself, this bail also suggests a date of origin around 1865. Typical of the time, the gold was given a so-called "bloom finish", a velvety fine gilding. There is a locket compartment on the back. The Essex Crystal is of outstanding quality. A gold foil underneath gives it even more depth. A wonderful, high-quality piece that captures the Victorian zeitgeist in many ways.

Productdetails

Zeitgeist

€ 3,980.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Our Promise

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You can rely on our years of experience in the trade and our expertise as a professional art historians for reviews of the antique jewellery. As a member of various trade organisations and the British Society of Jewellery Historians, we remain committed to the highest possible degree of accuracy. In our descriptions, we always also indicate any signs of age and defects and never hide them in our photos – this saves you from any unpleasant surprises when your package arrives.

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