Year :
|
c.1820 |
Material :
|
Silver,Glass |
Collection :
|
ALBION ART Collection |
|
<Description>
Gilt metal suite consisting of a comb top, earrings, necklace with pendant cross pattée and pair of bracelets set throughout with bright emerald green paste cut in different shapes, principally square. English, c. 1820.
<Commentary>
Jewellery matching in colour and design combined into sets for formal wear was an essential part of a woman’s appearance for most of the nineteenth century. As most disliked being seen twice in the same jewels and clothes, paste, cut into the same shapes as genuine stones and set into the same designs offered the smart woman the chance of varying her toilette without incurring great expense. These brilliant green ornaments on head, ears, neck and wrists, worn with a dress of suitable colour would be sure to create an impressive effect. The pendant cross pattée indicates an English origin, echoing those ornamenting the Regal circlet created for the coronation of George IV in 1821, and worn on state occasions today by Queen Elizabeth II.
Diana Scarisbrick |
