Élégances Parisiennes

Antique Lovebird Brooch with Diamonds in Silver on Gold, Paris, c. 1895

€ 6,980.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Antique Lovebird Brooch with Diamonds in Silver on Gold, Paris, c. 1895

Description

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

‘And diamonds everywhere: it takes many to adorn a silk dress; flounces of antique lace glittering with diamonds encircling a neckline; rivers of diamonds, rubies and pearls lining another neckline or the front of the dress, amidst the blurring folds of silk chiffon, bodices embroidered with precious stones [. ...].’ - This was reported by a correspondent of the magazine “La Vie Parisienne” from the glittering Parisian balls of the winter of 1896. The evening jewellery of the late 19th century was characterised by glittering diamonds in silver on gold, formed into figurative motifs or delicate designs in the Rococo style. Necklaces, rings, hairpins, even tiaras glittered in the gaslight - but the most indispensable accessory for the lady of the world were brooches, often worn in large numbers on the corsage of the ball gown, whose heavy velvet or silk fabric was designed for this purpose. This piece of jewellery, a swallow in a dive, is one such corsage ornament. The swallow has been masterfully modelled from the precious metals of gold and silver, with every single feather worked out. The entire surface of the bird glitters in the light of 170 rose diamonds, while two glowing rubies form the eyes. The shape of the outstretched wings and the curve of the pinning also reveal how the piece of jewellery was once worn: It was intended to nestle at the neckline of its first wearer in the silk fabric of her cut-out evening gown and follow the curve of her feminine forms. The brooch is in very good condition – a piece of high-quality diamond jewellery from the Belle Époque. The pin can be unscrewed, as it could once be replaced with a hairpin. The quotation after Svelt, ‘Élégances Parisiennes’, La Vie Parisienne, Vol. 96 (28 November 1896), 689-690, p. 689.

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Die Schwalbe wird im englischen Sprachraum auch als Lovebird bezeichnet, als Liebesvogel, denn Schwalbenpärchen bleiben oft ein Leben lang zusammen und suchen nach ihrer Rückkehr aus dem Süden immer das selbe Nest auf, das sie zuvor verlassen haben. Aus diesem Grund wurde die Schwalbe ein beliebtes Symbol im sentimentalen Schmuck des viktorianischen Zeitalters: Als Unterpfand der Liebe drückten Schmuckstücke mit Lovebird-Motiv den Wunsch aus, dass auch die Liebenden jeder räumlichen Trennung zum Trotz immer wieder zueinander zurückfinden und einander treu bleiben sollten.

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Size & Details

Élégances Parisiennes

€ 6,980.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Our Promise

We want you to be 100% satisfied! For that reason, we examine, describe and photograph all of our jewellery with the utmost care.

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.

Should you for some reason not be satisfied, please don’t hesitate to contact us so that we can find a solution together. In any case, you can return any article within one month and we will refund the full purchase price.

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Élégances Parisiennes

Brooches & Pins

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