Antique French Enamel Portrait Miniature Mourning Pendant Pearls

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Antique French Enamel Portrait Miniature Mourning Pendant Pearls

About the Item

An exceptional find! This stunning late 1700s to earliest 1800s French pendant remains in its original box, perfectly fitted on its recess and post. The pendant is French made, much of its mount is silver with gold wash, a process the French were known to have excelled at and used in jewelry prior to about 1820. The halo or mat around the portrait is 18k yellow gold, as well. The portrait is not only stunning, with it's finely detailed girl holding her parrot and petting her dog, it is entirely done in kiln-fired enamel on a small convex plaque of copper or perhaps even gold or silver. The execution of an enamel this fine in such small size is exquisitely remarkable. Such an arduously difficult process takes many many years to master to achieve such a result as this artist has. And like most enamels, there isn't any signature, but its overall splendid quality certainly make this a museum piece. Framed in rows of seed pearls, trimmed with fine Persian turquoise, the pendant is stunning for wear. A large bale, it can be worn with pearls or a gold chain, perhaps a black velvet ribbon, since when we turn it over, it reveals it's locket back. This is the style of mourning jewelry or memento or sentimental jewelry of this era, and into the recess of this locket back, it was likely that a lock of plaited hair would have rested. Today it is empty, and it's deep enough to insert a momento of your own should you wish to. Perhaps a flower from the Palace of Versaille, on the event of your honeymoon - do let's make it something as fabulous as the pendant, itself. Something old, something blue - if you have a bride to gift this season, what could possibly be a more stunning gift? It is superb!

Very good to excellent, I see nothing at all to report by way of a flaw. There is some loss of the gold 'vermeil' that once coated the old French silver, but it only lends to the age and beauty. The glass-covered amulet or locket back is in fine form, totally intace, and recesses about 3/16 of an inch, so can hold something thicker than a photo if you'd like. Even the box remains in very good condition, and it will come along with this original box or etui. Fabulous, isn't it!

Metal:
18k Gold
Stone:
Natural Pearl
Dimensions:
Height: 2 in (50.8 mm)
Style:
Georgian
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
Early 19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1770-1820
Condition:
Very good to excellent for age, type. There is some loss of the gold 'vermeil' that once coated the old French silver, light, normal for age and type. No other flaws to note.
Seller Location:
San Marcos, CA
Reference Number:
Seller: 1011frpend1stDibs: JU11110622779