Antique Garnet Trident Pendant
This piece has found a new home
We source pieces like this from auctions and private collections across Europe. Tell us what you are looking for and we will let you know when something similar arrives.
Ask about a similar piece含税。
运费将在结账时计算。
Drop A Hint
Visit Our London Showroom
Our London showroom is open by appointment only.
Email
info@ravensburyantiques.com
to arrange a visit.
-
An unusual and highly symbolic jewel of the French early-to-mid 19th century, crafted in 18K gold and set with foiled rose-cut garnets, most likely the celebrated “Perpignan” garnets of southern France.The jewel is modelled as a trident, its three points terminating in pear-shaped garnet drops, with a larger central rose-cut garnet anchoring the design.The back shows evidence of later conversion, with two suspension hoops added to convert what was likely part of a brooch jewel - into a wearable pendant.Symbolism of the TridentThe trident is an ancient emblem, most famously associated with Neptune (Poseidon), god of the sea, where it symbolised dominion over the waters and maritime power. Its use in French jewels of the early 19th century reflects the neoclassical revival of mythological imagery, often reinterpreted in bold, geometric compositions such as this.Details
- Origin: French, c.1820–1840
- Material: Tests as 18K gold (unmarked)
- Stones: Foiled rose-cut garnets, including a central garnet of approx. 5 mm diameter
- Dimensions: 3.5 × 2.2 cm
- Weight: 3 g
ConditionGood antique condition. Some dents to the hollow reverse of the gold backing, not visible when worn. Later conversion to pendant, but well executed and stable. Garnets remain lively with the distinctive deep raspberry-red tone associated with Perpignan foiled garnets.Context and ComparisonsPerpignan garnet jewels were especially prized in the Roussillon region of France during the 18th and 19th centuries, where foiling techniques created a vivid, almost glowing effect. While most surviving examples are floral or geometric in form, a trident motif is rare and appears to reflect neoclassical taste for mythological symbolism.
An unusual and highly symbolic jewel of the French early-to-mid 19th century, crafted in 18K gold and set with foiled rose-cut garnets, most likely the celebrated “Perpignan” garnets of southern France.
The jewel is modelled as a trident, its three points terminating in pear-shaped garnet drops, with a larger central rose-cut garnet anchoring the design.
The back shows evidence of later conversion, with two suspension hoops added to convert what was likely part of a brooch jewel - into a wearable pendant.
Symbolism of the Trident
The trident is an ancient emblem, most famously associated with Neptune (Poseidon), god of the sea, where it symbolised dominion over the waters and maritime power. Its use in French jewels of the early 19th century reflects the neoclassical revival of mythological imagery, often reinterpreted in bold, geometric compositions such as this.
Details
- Origin: French, c.1820–1840
- Material: Tests as 18K gold (unmarked)
- Stones: Foiled rose-cut garnets, including a central garnet of approx. 5 mm diameter
- Dimensions: 3.5 × 2.2 cm
- Weight: 3 g
Condition
Good antique condition. Some dents to the hollow reverse of the gold backing, not visible when worn. Later conversion to pendant, but well executed and stable. Garnets remain lively with the distinctive deep raspberry-red tone associated with Perpignan foiled garnets.
Context and Comparisons
Perpignan garnet jewels were especially prized in the Roussillon region of France during the 18th and 19th centuries, where foiling techniques created a vivid, almost glowing effect. While most surviving examples are floral or geometric in form, a trident motif is rare and appears to reflect neoclassical taste for mythological symbolism.
我们的承诺
我们始终保证所售每一件作品均为真品
所有订单均享 30 天无理由退货
所有商品均以礼盒包装并精心包好，全球免费保险寄送
我们以极致的用心检验、描述并拍摄每一件珠宝
