Details
SUITE OF IMPORTANT ANTIQUE YELLOW GOLD AND GEM-SET JEWELRY
Comprising a necklace set with oval-cut amethysts, citrines, a cushion-cut aquamarine, and a rectangular-cut pink topaz, spaced by twin half-pearls in beaded yellow gold wirework mounts, alternating with pear-shaped amethyst, citrine, diamond and emerald pansy motifs, suspending a detachable yellow gold wirework brooch set with a square-cut emerald flanked on each side by round rubies, an oval-cut hessonite garnet, and half-pearls suspending three tiered pear-shaped amethyst and citrine drops enhanced by half-pearls--14½ in., one stone missing, a pair of beaded yellow gold ear pendants set with oval-cut aquamarines and half-pearls suspending a pear-shaped pink topaz, the foiled settings enhanced by square-cut emeralds, circular cabochon white opals and half-pearls, two detachable drops, one set with square-cut green beryl, the other with square-cut green glass, enhanced by half-pearls in yellow gold beaded wirework; and a pair of yellow gold wirework hair pins en suite, circa 1815 (6)
Cf. Christie's London, Important Jewellery, (14 December 1988), lot 20.
Comprising a necklace set with oval-cut amethysts, citrines, a cushion-cut aquamarine, and a rectangular-cut pink topaz, spaced by twin half-pearls in beaded yellow gold wirework mounts, alternating with pear-shaped amethyst, citrine, diamond and emerald pansy motifs, suspending a detachable yellow gold wirework brooch set with a square-cut emerald flanked on each side by round rubies, an oval-cut hessonite garnet, and half-pearls suspending three tiered pear-shaped amethyst and citrine drops enhanced by half-pearls--14½ in., one stone missing, a pair of beaded yellow gold ear pendants set with oval-cut aquamarines and half-pearls suspending a pear-shaped pink topaz, the foiled settings enhanced by square-cut emeralds, circular cabochon white opals and half-pearls, two detachable drops, one set with square-cut green beryl, the other with square-cut green glass, enhanced by half-pearls in yellow gold beaded wirework; and a pair of yellow gold wirework hair pins en suite, circa 1815 (6)
Cf. Christie's London, Important Jewellery, (14 December 1988), lot 20.
Further details
Coincident with the emergence of colored gemstones after 1815, fashion changed radically. Waist lines which had been pushed high for a quarter of a century, now resumed their normal position. Skirts became wider and sleeves puffed out, accentuating the fashionalbe decolletage. The bare neckline served as a backdrop for new elaborate necklaces, while hair curled in a knot emphasized dangling earrings.