Antique 19th century chrysolite chrysoberyl amethyst quartz foliate pendant/brooch and drop earrings demi-parure mounted in closed-back silver, Portuguese, late 1800s, in a fitted case. A popular design with collectors of Georgian and Victorian jewelry, here offered as a set of earrings and pendant/brooch. The earrings are composed by a circular surmount suspending an articulated pear-shape drop, both parts pave-set throughout with “chrysolite” chrysoberyl gemstones and a purple amethyst quartz gemstone to the center, fitted to reverse with a lever-back fitting. The brooch is composed by a similarly-designed surmount and drop, with the addition of a two foliate branches issuing from the center; this piece is fitted with a hinged pin and C-shape clasp fitting.
Tested as silver, not marked. Dimensions: 7.7 x 7.6 cm (brooch); 5.1 x 2.2 cm (each earring). Gross weight: 45.59g (brooch); 27.2g (earrings).
Both Portugal and Spain had colonies in South America. Brazil was a treasure trove of precious stones, yielding huge quantities of diamonds, topaz, aquamarine and chrysoberyl gems, which were made into jewelry back in Portugal. These gemstones were pieced together and pave-set to create suites of swagged and beribboned necklaces and earrings in floral and bow motifs. The colorful floral and bow jewelry...
Category
Late 19th Century Portuguese Georgian Antique Chrysoberyl Earrings
MaterialsAmethyst, Chrysoberyl, Silver