883 - A fine Romantic brooch In gold. Of geometric design with two gold bars each set with two rose-cut amethysts and with spherical terminals of decreasing sizes. From the upper bar, a gold mesh chain runs the full length of the piece, from which hang two smooth gold spheres and, at the centre, a large briolette-cut amethyst.

A fine Romantic brooch In gold. Of geometric design with two gold bars each set with two rose-cut amethysts and with spherical terminals of decreasing sizes. From the upper bar, a gold mesh chain runs the full length of the piece, from which hang two smooth gold spheres and, at the centre, a large briolette-cut amethyst. Possibly Portuguese work, ca.1860-1880. (signs of wear) 7.1 x 5 cm 33 g This type of geometric exercise in jewellery was relatively popular in the 1860s and 1880s. Prompted by the discovery and appreciation of archaeological jewellery specimens throughout Europe, the wearing of such nineteenth-century jewels conveyed erudition and sophistication. Within the Romantic spirit, the creation of jewellery was not limited solely to the replication of historical models, but also drew inspiration from them in the conception of forms suited to contemporary taste, combining materials and colours then in vogue. Such is the case with this piece, where the archaeologically inspired forms are enriched by the addition of amethysts, gemstones then in enormous demand, not least because the colour violet was enjoying considerable fashionability.