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Antique 18th/19th Century Chrysolite Chrysoberyl Pendant Earrings Portuguese

About the Item

Museum Quality antique late 18th / early 19th century chrysolite chrysoberyl pendant drop earrings in silver and rose gold, probably Portugal, circa 1800. Of elongated and slightly exaggerated outline typical of the period, this design complimented the high hairstyles of the 18th century and would be the perfect jewel for a special event nowadays. Each earring of an openwork design with a navette-shape cluster top suspending a partially-articulated drop-shaped section with floral and foliate motifs and rose gold beading, set throughout with circular, marquise, cushion and calibre cut chrysoberyl stones close-set in silver. These jewels are secured to the top with a lever-back fitting, consistent with the period. Dimensions: 2.6 x 7.2 cm. Gross weight: 26.52g. For a similar pair of Portuguese Georgian chrysoberyl earrings, see d'Orey, Leonor, "Five Centuries of Jewellery", permanent exhibition of the National Museum of Ancient Art, Lisbon, Zwemmer Publishers Limited, 1995. For similar pairs of Portuguese Georgian chrysoberyl earrings, see Scarisbrick, Diana, “The S. J. Phillips Collection of Jewels of Portugal”, London, Sotheby’s, S.J.Phillips, 2017, page 42, 43, 58 and 59. For similar pairs of 18th century Iberian chrysoberyl earrings, see “Oceanos - Ourivesaria Luso-Brasileira do Ciclo do Ouro e dos Diamantes N.43", Lisbon, Comissão Nacional para as Comemorações dos Descobrimentos Portugueses, 2000. One of the most desirable 18th century earring designs for night wear was the bow-drop earrings called the pendeloque. It was characterized by a top (either round or marquise-shaped) connected to a figural bow supporting a drop usually of a similar design to the top. Its outline was often elongated and slightly exaggerated, probably to offset the extremely high hairstyles of the 1770s. In the Iberian (Portuguese and Spanish) antiques world, “crisólita” is a very popular gemstone. This late-18th century misnomer in Portugal and Brasil, also referred to as “oriental chrysolite”, corresponds to greenish-yellow chrysoberyl, a mineral that was named after its transparency and color, from the Greek “chrysos” (meaning “gold”) and "berullos" (meaning “transparency”). This gemstone became very popular in Portuguese and Brazilian jewelry on the last third of the 1700s gaining even more importance in the early 1800s, following the discovery of significant quantities of fine gem quality material in Minas Gerais, Brazil, particularly in the Minas Novas district. Chrysoberyl is, however, better known for its color-changing chromium-bearing variety, alexandrite, the mint-green vanadium-bearing variety and, of course, for its cat's eye varieties, sometimes referred to in the trade as cymophane. This item is in good condition, with marks and scratches consistent with general age and wear. Antique, period and vintage pieces, both signed and unsigned, are being offered as worn. Unless otherwise stated, all weights and quality factors have been graded as mounting permitted and using classic gemology and standard gemological equipment and might slightly differ from the assessments provided by other gemologists. Assessments related to period of manufacture or geographic origin of gemstones are expert opinions and may differ from the assessments provided by other professionals. Colors in the pictures/videos might slightly differ from the colors in real life. When certificated stones are being offered, the certificate or report will be mentioned. For additional information or clarification, please get in touch and our in-house team of expert GIA Graduate Gemologists and Registered Appraisers/Valuers will be happy to help. Upon request, every item sold by Espadim 1985 will be accompanied by a complimentary valuation, which you can use for insurance, authenticity and reference and safekeeping purposes; this will contain a detailed description, technical information and photographic records of the item.

Metal:

Gold,Silver,Rose Gold

Stone:

Chrysoberyl

Stone Cut:

Antique Cushion Cut

Weight:

26.52 g

Dimensions:

Width: 1.03 in (26 mm)Length: 2.84 in (72 mm)

Style:

Georgian