curiouslytimeless
Georgian era 18K gold young lady with flowers miniature pendant
For sale a very beautiful and rare 18K gold pendant, featuring a young lady with a pot of lovely flowers in hand. The scene is hand painted in different colors but mainly in rosy pink tone. The outer layer of the painting is decorated with a circle of golden and red leaves, while the frame of pendant is highlighted by tiny gold granulations all around.
We are attracted immediately to the smile on the face of the young lady as well as the romantic symbolism of the flowers. The pendant is a wonderful example of the sentimental jewelry from the early 19th century.
The special technique used in the making of this pendant is called “verre églomisé” in French or “fixe under glass “in English. The technique consists in painting a subject under a glass panel and then fixing this painting with a thin sheet of gold. We can see this layer of gold thanks to the second glass plate at the back of the pendant. This technique was widely used in France at the beginning of the 19th century. However, the process is very complex and requires a high level of craftsmanship; on one hand because the support is glass and on the other hand because the gold risks to be damaged during the fabrication. The complicity of the process explains why it is so rare today to find an example in such good antique condition, not to mention the sentimental meanings behind.
This wonderful Gregorian era miniature portrait pendant is surely a wonderful piece to add into your antique jewelry collection.
Measurements and condition
In overall good antique condition. Traces of use on the metal on the back of the pendant.
Slight deformation on the gold granulations on the frame.
No hallmark is found so the pendant is acid tested for 18K gold.
Length including the bail: 36mm
Length excluding the bail: 28mm
Width: 28mm
Weight: 6.5g.