The Ornamented Being
Ornamented: -verb: Adorn; beautify. Be·ing: -noun: Fulfillment of possibilities; essential completeness.
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Four Leaf Clover pin, enamel and diamonds,
ca. 1920
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Twelve tear-shaped sections of ruby, diamond and pearl set in gold form this unique tiara with enamel portraits at back. Presented to Queen Victoria & placed among Indian Collection belonging to Crown by King George V in 1924.
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I have one surprise post set for tomorrow morning but I’m shutting my laptop down and getting ready to lock up my flat. It’s 36f (2c) in London and supposedly set to snow tomorrow in Paris (knock wood it’s not rain this time around). Bleh.
I’m crashing at a friends house tonight so I can get to St. Pancras by 7:00 tomorrow to go through security. See you all in a bit!
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A pair of Regency gold and multi gem set ‘Dearest’ and ‘Regard’ locket earrings, circa 1830, one heart shaped drop set with diamond, emerald, amethyst, ruby, emerald sapphire and topaz spelling ‘Dearest’, the other with ruby, emerald, garnet, amethyst, ruby and diamond spelling ‘Regard’ in gold foliate chased surmounts, both drops opening to reveal glazed compartments and the inner covers enamelled with Cupid holding a heart in one, and an arrow in the other, with turquoise set gold foliate chased backs, suspended by chain link connections from turquoise and half pearl cluster tops, 4.3cm long overall
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Three-colour gold tiara with swags of leaves and flowers surmounted by a row of large flowers formed by clusters of turquoises surrounded by cannetille work with a small diamond in the centre. It has been converted from a frontlet ornament of c.1805 and a French import mark and French design registry mark are on the loop at each end.
British Museum
c. 1805
First French Empire
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Brooch with cameo of Queen Victoria, by Félix Dafrique; cameo by Paul Lebas (active 1829-70)
Brooch with cameo of Queen Victoria (front above, back below)
By Félix Dafrique; cameo by Paul Lebas (active 1829-70)
Paris
Dated 1851
Shell, gold, enamel, emeralds and diamonds
Museum no. M.340-1977This brooch was shown at the Great Exhibition in London in 1851, perhaps to attract the queen’s attention during one of her many visits to the exhibition. The image was taken from a portrait that showed the queen in Garter robes.
The Parisian jeweller Félix Dafrique revived a Renaissance style of jewel called ‘commesso’ (meaning ‘joined’). The cameo was cut by Paul Lebas, a well-regarded sculptor and gem engraver, who often exhibited at the Paris Salon. His most prominent works included cameo portraits of the French royal family.
The brooch was shown at the Great Exhibition, where over 6 million visitors viewed more than 13,000 exhibits.
In carving the cameo, Lebas probably followed this engraving. The original portrait shows the queen facing the other way, but the engraving is in reverse.
Sully was a society portraitist from Philadelphia. On a visit to London in 1837 he was commissioned to paint a portrait of the new queen. He was delighted with her ‘sweet tone of voice, and gentle manner’. She, in turn, was pleased with the portrait, which highlighted her best features: her shoulders and the curving line of her neck.”
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A modern take on an ancient idea.
But at a price. For only $3,500 this can be yours! Click me!
“This magnificent poison ring features a large central topaz stone that can be unlocked with a key to reveal a tiny secret compartment. The whole ring is covered in decorative engravings, and on each of the fours claws holding the topaz there are tiny bezel set blue sapphires (we can alternate the sapphires for diamonds if you wish, just let us know in the notes to seller section). It has been entirely hand made (including the locking mechanisms). The dimensions of the locking box are approx 12mm wide x 12mm deep x 18mm from the top of the topaz to the bottom of the box. The key to open it is approx 23mm long, and comes on a 50cm chain to be worn around the neck.”
