curiouslytimeless
French Antique 18k gold enameled Saint Esprit Holy Spirit pendant
For sale a beautiful and large example of the antique Saint Esprit 18k gold pendant from the city called “Aurillac” from the region Auvergne in France. The cross is made by a refined gold sheet cut into the form, engraved and then carefully enameled.
From the top to the bottom, we have five colored stones (two large oval ones in yellow and in green and 3 smaller ones in muti colors), two cushion-cut topazes with one pear shape ruby in the center, one square shape amethyst and three tear shape citrines at the end. They are all foiled back which allows them to show the different hues when changing the angles.
The cutting industry of Auvergne topazes, coming from the streams of the region and set in the holy spirit, died out around 1870. The pendant is made in 18K gold, hallmarked with the French horse head hallmark and it is dated back to the early 19th century.
The holy spirit is a jewel expressing the faith that the future husband offers to his bride; or also from mother to daughter. It will follow the life of the person who wears it and evolve with it: elements can be added with each birth of the children.
Appearing in the 17th century, the Auvergne (a region in France) jewel known as the Holy Spirit reached its golden age in the 19th century. It is a gold pendant set with precious stones that represents a dove with outstretched wings descending to the earth and has three drop-shaped pendants at its end. The holy spirit is worn with a gold chain or a velvet ribbon. The design of a Saint Esprit varies slightly depending on the different regions in France, with more or less sophisticated mountings.
This highly collectible pendant full of symbolism will be a lovely piece to add into your antique jewelry collection. The smaller Saint-esprit on the photo is also available in the shop.
Measurements and condition
In overall good antique condition. Missing on the enamel on the wings; small dents on the back. Trace of use/oxidation.
French horse head hallmark for 18k gold on the pendant. The bail is a recent replacement, it is also stamped with the 750 hallmark for 18K gold.
Length: 75mm including bale / 67mm excluding the bale
Width: 28mm
Weight: 8.8g