Breathtaking Butterfly Set with Gemstones in Gold, as a Brooch, Pendant, and Necklace, circa 1980

Daydream

Breathtaking Butterfly Set with Gemstones in Gold, as a Brooch, Pendant, and Necklace, circa 1980

€ 28,790.00 ^*

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!

As a motif in jewelry, the butterfly has a long tradition. Especially since the second half of the 19th century, when interest in natural history and enthusiasm for the forms found in nature had a lasting influence on jewelry design, butterflies ranked among the most popular motifs alongside bees, dragonflies, beetles, and flies. The naturalism of late Historicism, Art Nouveau, and later Art Deco repeatedly drew inspiration from the butterfly. In the 1980s, the motif experienced a resurgence We were particularly delighted that this breathtaking butterfly, of all things, found its way to us here in Berlin. We were able to acquire it from a significant private collection in Stuttgart. Its extraordinary craftsmanship makes it an impressive example of high-quality goldsmithing from around 1990. Emeralds, sapphires, and rubies lend the body and wings their vibrant colors, while more than thirteen carats of diamonds cover nearly every surface of the insect. Particularly captivating is the varied play of colours in the diamonds, ranging from colorless white to warm brown tones and intense yellow. The nuanced distribution of the gemstones lends the butterfly a remarkable natural realism and makes the pattern on its wings stand out vividly. The butterfly is also exceptionally versatile. A pin on the back allows it to be worn as a brooch, and a large, foldable eyelet enables it to be used as a pendant. The piece of jewellery is complemented by a removable chain made of gold and green agate, so that the butterfly can also be worn as a necklace. Thanks to its rich color palette, the piece can be paired with nearly any summery hue. It is equally striking against dark fabrics, against which the colored gemstones and the vibrant play of colours from the diamonds stand out particularly impressively. An independent gemmological report confirms the quality and authenticity of the materials used. For dating, see, for example, David Bennett and Daniela Mascetti, *i* *Understanding Jewelry* , London 2010, p. 471.

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In ancient Greece, the butterfly was regarded as a symbol of the human soul. The Greek word psychḗ (ψυχή) referred equally to breath, life force, and the soul, as well as to the butterfly. This dual meaning stemmed from the belief that after death, the soul would separate from the body and live on in the form of a butterfly. In later centuries, numerous folk beliefs arose around the delicate butterfly. In the English-speaking world, for example, the name “butterfly” was explained by the idea that butterflies skimmed butter or cream from milk—a folk etymology that has persisted to this day. Today, however, many butterfly species symbolize the threat to biodiversity, as numerous habitats are being lost due to intensive land use and soil sealing. Regardless of these shifting meanings, the sight of a butterfly has lost none of its fascination to this day.

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Size & Details

Daydream

€ 28,790.00 ^*

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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