Name: Georgian, circa 1825, Foiled Amethyst & Yellow Gold Cannetille Filigree Necklace
Brand: Unknown
Rating: 5 (4 reviews)

Georgian, circa 1825, Foiled Amethyst & Yellow Gold Cannetille Filigree Necklace

View Similar Items

Fashion Amethyst Diamond Yellow Gold 18 Karat Necklace

Georgian Aquamarine and Gold Cannetille Suite

Retro Gold 35 Carat Natural Amethyst and Diamond Pendant Necklace, circa 1960

Antique Georgian 18K Gold Amethyst Pendant Necklace Cannetille - c.1820

Victorian Large Amethyst Natural Pearl Gold Necklace

Antique Gold and Foiled Amethyst Rivière Necklace with Detachable Maltese Cross

Georgian Aquamarine Lapis Cannetille Pendant Brooch

Georgian Cannetille Gold Snake Necklace with Amethyst and Emerald Cross Pendant

Antique Etruscan Revival Cannetille 18k Yellow Gold Chain Necklace Swivel Bail

Vintage Mid Century 53 Carat Amethyst 14K Necklace

14 Karat Yellow & White Gold Diamond Filigree Necklace

Rare Customize Cognac Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace

About the Item

Throughout the centuries, warm yellow gold hues were the preferred setting for deep violet amethysts. In which shapes and forms these settings were worked, however, was a choice dictated by the whims of fashion. In the early 19th century, the fashions of jewellery changed quickly. Some years before, in the age of neo-classicism, large gemstones were usually set in simple, delicate settings of gold or silver. The focus was to be on the stones themselves, the settings accordingly demure. At last, even the fine scrolls and tendrils of the Rococo style vanished from jewellery altogether. With the new century, however, these fashions changed. A new technique, called cannetille, arose in the world of jewellery and drastically changed it. Fine gold wires were twisted and shaped into voluminous forms, allowing for large and lightweight jewels that needed far less material than massive pieces. The cannetille pieces appear as knitted or embroidered works of art, three-dimensional and detailed. Often they were combined with vividly coloured gemstones, whose colour was intensified by backing them with foil. The necklace at hand is such a piece, a perfect illustration of the techniques mentioned above. Large, violet amethysts are set in gold, made to appear even warmer and more velvety with an additional layer of fine gold on top. Three oval-shaped elements form the decorative middle part, from the centre of which another large drop-shaped element is suspended. This drop-shaped pendant can be removed, allowing the necklace to be worn to a plethora of occasions. It is a perfect example of the jewellery fashion of the 1820s, the latter years of the Georgian reign. We were able to acquire the necklace in an antique box of the jewellers James Usher & Son, Lincoln, England, exactly fitted to the piece. Since the shop only opened after the necklace was made, it must have been re-sold there sometime during the Victorian era. In this box, the piece has survived tumultuous times in beautiful condition. It is a rare find, seeing as many Georgian pieces were re-worked as the fashions changed, the gemstones taken out and set into more modern designs. Here we are able to present an original necklace of the era, fully intact and allowing us a glimpse into the wold of two-hundred years ago. MATERIALS Four amethysts, faceted, 7,4 x 10,2 mm / 0,29 x 0,4 mm – 9,5 x 23,5 mm / 0,37 x 0,93 in Gold, minimum fineness 585/000, resp. 14 karat, additionally gilt with fine gold DIMENSIONS Centre piece with pendant 6,5 x 9,2 cm / 2,56 x 3,62 in Length of necklace 38,5 cm / 15,16 in CERTIFICATE Delivery with certificate.

Metal:
14k Gold
Stone:
Amethyst
Stone Cut:
Pear Cut
Style:
George IV
Place of Origin:
United Kingdom
Period:
1820-1829
Date of Manufacture:
1825
Condition:
The antique box with visible traces of wear on the outside.
Seller Location:
Berlin, DE
Reference Number:
Seller: 18-19511stDibs: LU156426601282