Colorful Antique georgian Revival Pin, c. 1890

At the end of the 19th century, people were fascinated by the past. Peace prevailed in Europe and industrialization had brought great prosperity to the bourgeoisie in particular. Now it was no longer just the nobility who were allowed to participate in a world of beauty and luxury. Historical festivals and masked balls enjoyed great popularity; people danced to old tunes in the costumes of bygone eras. Jewellery fashions also picked up on this enthusiasm for earlier styles. A popular source of inspiration was the Rococo and early Neoclassical periods, known in England as the Georgian Era. Rivière necklaces, brooches and rings in Giardinetti designs as well as earrings in the shape of radiant flowers were allowed to be lavish and colorful. Not only luxurious stones such as garnets, citrines, topazes and diamonds were used, but also cut glass stones. The decisive factor was less the material value and more the brilliant effect and decorative appearance. The pin shown here is based on models from the 1820s, but was created around two generations later, in the late 19th century. As a showpiece, it presents a colorful blossom of shimmering pearls, sky-blue turquoise and two red almandine garnets. The trimming is set in silver, which is plated with gold on the back. The flower was probably originally part of a larger jewelry creation. A few years later, it was fitted with a gold pin and thus became a brooch. Then as now, the pin invites you to dream of the past and can add a colorful accent to many outfits.

Estimate:$662.54

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