{"product_id":"baroque-period-ruby-and-enamel-pendant-european-c-1650-1680","title":"Baroque Period Ruby and Enamel Pendant","description":"\u003cdiv\u003eA Baroque period ruby and enamel pendant dating to circa 1650–1680; probably made in Hungary.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThe pendant is composed as a two-part drop, allowing natural movement, with a further articulated fringe of three suspended natural saltwater pearls below. \u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eBoth sections are set with clusters of table cut rubies in closed-back rubover collet settings, arranged in tightly packed formations characteristic of mid-17th century jewellery. The gold is richly decorated with scrolling openwork, enlivened throughout with polychrome enamel.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThe enamel decoration is particularly characteristic; white ground with black linework, alongside robin’s egg blue and Cassius pink accents. This palette and style align with the broader European ‘linework and swirl’ tradition seen across Hungary, Central Europe, and beyond. The reverse is equally considered, with further enamel decoration including a pink flower motif.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eJewels of this type were produced across Europe in the later 17th century; comparable examples are held in major museum collections including the Rijksmuseum, the V\u0026amp;A, the State Historical Museum in Moscow, and the Museum of Applied Arts in Budapest.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eRuby held both protective and romantic associations in the period; believed to guard against illness and poison, while also symbolising love and enduring affection. Such pieces often carried both decorative and amuletic significance.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eWeight: 8.58g\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eLength: 6.5 x 2cm\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eTests as approximately 19K gold\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eIn good overall condition for its age; minor losses to the enamel, mostly to the reverse. The upper bail is a small later replacement, sympathetically executed and in keeping with the original form and to ensure wearability today.\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Ravensbury Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49099611832628,"sku":"1017810291","price":6750.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0708\/6784\/5428\/files\/0G2A8902_3387155.jpg?v=1776432673","url":"https:\/\/ravensburyantiques.com\/products\/baroque-period-ruby-and-enamel-pendant-european-c-1650-1680","provider":"Ravensbury Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}