For Connoisseurs

Fashionable Clip Brooch With Diamonds & Amethysts, Paris ca. 1945

€ 8,490.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Fashionable Clip Brooch With Diamonds & Amethysts, Paris ca. 1945

Description

This description was automatically translated from German. If you have any questions about this piece of jewellery, we will be happy to help!

From time immemorial, the amethyst has been associated with wine. Its very name, from the Greek "amethystos" - "counteracting intoxication" - expresses the ancient belief that its wearer was immune to the intoxicating effects of wine. Thus it was worn as a talisman against drunkenness until early modern times, and in the 16th century the French poet Rémy Belleau invented a romantic origin for the colour: once, he wrote, the wine god Bacchus was said to have desired a beautiful girl called Amethyste. She, however, resisted his persecutions and begged the gods for help. Taking pity on her, the goddess Diana turned her into clear crystal. Bacchus found her transformed into crystal, and bitterly regretted it, so he dedicated a libation to her by pouring wine on the crystal, thus colouring it. When we discovered the present brooch incomplete, we therefore added amethysts to it, as these seemed to us not only aesthetically appropriate but also allusive in content, referring to the cultural-historical position of the amethyst. Stylistically, it is a piece of jewellery from the 1940s, which is evident both in its sculptural form and in the elegant combination of different diamond cuts; in particular, the use of baguette cuts alongside round diamonds is typical of the period. Also a feature of the period is the use of old European cut diamonds: Since trade routes were interrupted during wartime and new raw materials were scarce, gemstones from older jewellery or old stock were often used. Thus, in the white sparkling clusters, we find 19th century old European cuts alongside modern brilliant and 8/8 cuts. Approximately 4.29 ct of diamonds have been used here, in keeping with the epicurean nature of the motif. The brooch is fitted with a double pin, as it was once intended to be worn on a fur coat. But it also looks great on the lapel of a blazer or on other garments made of solid fabrics - and is also suitable as a conversation piece (not only) for wine lovers. It is in very good condition. We were able to purchase it in London.

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The amethyst, agate, jasper, citrine and onyx - all these stones fall into the group of quartz. Their colours, however, are quite unique. Amethyst is the purple son of this family. Its name, from the Greek "amethystos" - "counteracting intoxication" - expresses the ancient belief that its wearer was immune to the intoxicating effects of wine. The colour spectrum ranges from the deep violet of Siberian amethysts to a delicate, cool, almost pinkish tone, also called "Rose de France". In the Middle Ages and even in antiquity, numerous decorative objects such as vases and drinking cups were cut from amethyst, of which a few precious specimens have been preserved in museums of decorative arts.

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Size & Details

For Connoisseurs

€ 8,490.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Our Promise

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You can rely on our years of experience in the trade and our expertise as a professional art historians for reviews of the antique jewellery. As a member of various trade organisations and the British Society of Jewellery Historians, we remain committed to the highest possible degree of accuracy. In our descriptions, we always also indicate any signs of age and defects and never hide them in our photos – this saves you from any unpleasant surprises when your package arrives.

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