Beschreibung:

♡ AN ARCHEOLOGICAL REVIVAL GOLD AND JEWELLED ENAMEL DEMI-PARURE ATTRIBUTED TO EUGÈNE FONTENAY FRANCE, CIRCA 1870 Designed as a collar applied with gold wirework, granulation and jewelled enamel bead trailing foliate detail, set at intervals with florettes with cable link chains suspending a fringe of detachable amphorae pendants decorated with stylised papyri and palmettes embellished in polychrome enamels, gold wirework and granulation, to a concealed clasp; and a pair of pendant earrings, en suite, mounted in 20ct gold, the centre pendant with glazed compartment to reverse, necklace circumference approximately 350mm, earring length approximately 52mm, unsigned, accompanied by a fitted case Watherston & Son, Goldsmiths, Jewelllers and Silversmiths, 12 Pall Mall, East London This rare and superb example of archaeological revival jewellery finds its inspiration in the discoveries and interest in Roman, Egyptian, Hellenistic and Etruscan discoveries of the 18th and 19th Centuries. The current lot dates from the second half of the 19th Century when all kinds of treasure was being excavated all over Europe, with a heightened interest in ancient Egypt, which led to the coining of the term, "Egyptomania". This period was a high point for craftsmanship and gold work, with jewellery of this period characterised by fine granulation and filigree decorations and exquisite enamel work. Estimate $40,000-60,000 Condition: Necklace Overall condition and make is consistent with age and minimal wear Very light and fine surface scratches and scuffs to gold, most evident to reverse the enamelling overall is complete, intact and crisp with no obvious signs of any loss clasp good secure approximately 74 grams Earrings Overall condition and make is consistent with age and minimal wear Very light and fine surface scratches and scuffs to gold, most evident to reverse the enamel detailing overall is complete apart from small patch of green enamel deficiency to base of surmount on one earring One gold hook replacement - consistent and sympathetic replacement weight 14 grams Brown leather fitted case Unsigned Overall demi-parure is very good original condition The opinions expressed in the condition reports are a guide only and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Prospective buyers are encouraged to inspect articles for sale at our pre-sale viewing where Leonard Joel staff are available for advice. Leonard Joel makes no guarantee of the originality of mechanical or applied components. Absence of reference to such modifications does not imply that a lot is free from modifications. Unsold