Baroque Alpine Intaglio Pendant
From the Journal
Intaglio Rings and Jewellery: A Collector's Guide
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A rare and striking 18th century devotional jewel from the Catholic Alps, set with rubies, emeralds and pearls around a finely carved agate figure of a saint.At 8.5 cm across, this was never an everyday piece. Jewels on this scale were made for wealthy families in Bavaria and Austria to wear to church and on feast days. Many were later given to churches as offerings, which is why so few survive outside them.The pendant takes the shape of a four-lobed quatrefoil, an ancient Christian motif. Each lobe is filled with delicate silver filigree and scattered with deep pink rubies, soft green emeralds and four pearls.At its heart sits a white agate carved with a woman in classical robes, holding a tall cross. She is most likely a female saint, perhaps St Helena, who in legend found the True Cross. The stone is held in a toothed setting typical of Alpine goldsmiths of the period.The rubies and emeralds test as natural. Over three centuries, the silver has darkened to a rich patina, with traces of the original gilding still visible.A bold, unusual piece for a collector, and spectacular worn today on a long chain.Details: 18th century; Bavaria or Austria; silver with traces of gilding; 16 rubies (approx. 8.0 ct total), 12 emeralds (approx. 2.0 ct total), 4 pearls; agate intaglio 26 x 22mm; 8.5 x 8.5cm; 29.82g.Condition: Good for its age. Worn gilding and dark patina to the silver; surface wear to the pearls, one pitted.
A rare and striking 18th century devotional jewel from the Catholic Alps, set with rubies, emeralds and pearls around a finely carved agate figure of a saint.
At 8.5 cm across, this was never an everyday piece. Jewels on this scale were made for wealthy families in Bavaria and Austria to wear to church and on feast days. Many were later given to churches as offerings, which is why so few survive outside them.
The pendant takes the shape of a four-lobed quatrefoil, an ancient Christian motif. Each lobe is filled with delicate silver filigree and scattered with deep pink rubies, soft green emeralds and four pearls.
At its heart sits a white agate carved with a woman in classical robes, holding a tall cross. She is most likely a female saint, perhaps St Helena, who in legend found the True Cross. The stone is held in a toothed setting typical of Alpine goldsmiths of the period.
The rubies and emeralds test as natural. Over three centuries, the silver has darkened to a rich patina, with traces of the original gilding still visible.
A bold, unusual piece for a collector, and spectacular worn today on a long chain.
Details: 18th century; Bavaria or Austria; silver with traces of gilding; 16 rubies (approx. 8.0 ct total), 12 emeralds (approx. 2.0 ct total), 4 pearls; agate intaglio 26 x 22mm; 8.5 x 8.5cm; 29.82g.
Condition: Good for its age. Worn gilding and dark patina to the silver; surface wear to the pearls, one pitted.
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