A Renaissance revival gemset and enamel pendant, of Holbeinesque design, the raised silver centre set with a cruciform pattern of foiled green beryls in gold mounts flanked by foliate scrolls and pearls against an entwined red enamel strapwork ground, with suspension ring and pearl drop, circa 1880, 7.5 overall height

Details

A Renaissance revival gemset and enamel pendant, of Holbeinesque design, the raised silver centre set with a cruciform pattern of foiled green beryls in gold mounts flanked by foliate scrolls and pearls against an entwined red enamel strapwork ground, with suspension ring and pearl drop, circa 1880, 7.5 overall height
See Plate 11

Lot Essay

The style of this pendant is 'Holbeinesque' and relates to a group of jewellery designs attributed to Hans Holbein the Younger, now in the Department of Prints and Drawing in the British Museum. Cf. 'Princely Magnificence', Court Jewels of the Renaissance, 1500-1630 (V & A Exhibition Catalogue 1980) G10. This type of jewel was particularly popular during the second half of the 19th Century and gold examples set with gemstones in a formal border of red, green and blue enamel appear frequently on the market.

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