Antique Natural Pearl Bracelet with Rococo Portrait Miniature, c. 1765 & later

C'est L'amitié Qui En Fait Le Prix

Antique Natural Pearl Bracelet with Rococo Portrait Miniature, c. 1765 & later

€ 3,980.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Description

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

"C'est L'amitié qui en fait le prix" - it is friendship that determines the value. We see this unusual phrase engraved on the back of this 18th century bracelet clasp. The phrase is not unusual because of its message. After all, it is precisely its sentimental meaning that makes a portrait miniature so particularly precious. The quote is unusual because it can be found in sources from the 1760s. They report that Peter III Fyodorovich, Emperor of Russia for only six months in 1762, wore a ring with this inscription and the portrait of Frederick the Great of Prussia, whom he admired fervently and with whom he carried on a lively correspondence. This was significant insofar as Peter immediately entered into an alliance with Prussia upon his ascension to the throne, ending the enmity of the Seven Years' War between the two nations. These reports probably directly inspired the inscription on this clasp, as the style of the portrait and the clothing and hairstyle of the person portrayed mean that the piece of jewellery can be dated quite precisely to the mid-1760s. Many similar portraits of English ladies in Thomas Gainsborough's company have survived from precisely this period, such as the portrait of Harriet, Viscountess Tracy from 1763 or Theodosia Magill from 1765. Our portrait miniature was probably also created in England. The portrait, set under rock crystal, is surrounded by a frame of floral ornaments set with foil-set, bright red garnets. Eight rows of genuine pearls, oriental pearls with a beautiful lustre, turn the miniature into a bracelet. A handwritten note, which may belong to the bracelet, refers to it as a "chain bracelet". The pearls have therefore been renewed, replacing the gold chains originally attached to the clasp. The bars of warm yellow gold were added to keep the beads in shape. The piece came to us in an antique case. It is in very good condition - and its history may yet hold a surprise or two for those who are not averse to extensive research...

Size & Details

C'est L'amitié Qui En Fait Le Prix

€ 3,980.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Our Promise

We want you to be 100% satisfied! For that reason, we examine, describe and photograph all of our jewellery with the utmost care.

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.

Should you for some reason not be satisfied, please don’t hesitate to contact us so that we can find a solution together. In any case, you can return any article within one month and we will refund the full purchase price.

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C'est L'amitié Qui En Fait Le Prix

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