Nice and quality Victorian piece with garnets and white sapphires. Very Etruscan and circa 1860. Large pin at a little over 2'' by 1.5''. Couple reinforcements on reverse and replaced clasp. Overall good condition and quite attractive. Many believe that the Etruscan goldsmiths learned the basic technique of granulation from the Phoenicians, but all agree that the Etruscans took this technique to new heights of excellence and delicacy through extreme miniaturization. Granulation refers to the side by side application of tiny beads of gold. Twisted, or ''corded'' gold wirework was also applied to jewels in the Etruscan style. To this day, modern jewelers have been unable to duplicate the skill and precision of these ancient craftsmen. Despite its magnificence, Etruscan jewelry was largely forgotten until the early 1800s when hoards of Etruscan jewelry were discovered in tombs on the outskirts of Rome. These discoveries of the 1830s, as well as treasures from other ancient civilizations being unearthed at that time, sparked an enthusiasm for ''archeological style'' jewelry. This craze for revivalism peaked during the 1860s to 1870s, though many fine examples continued to be made for as long as 40 years after that. Status: For Sale Reference#: 485198 Condition: vg minor restorations Year: 1860

Antique and Vintage Jewelry
Antique Jewelry