The Elizabethan Era refers to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, often depicted as the golden age in English history by historians. During this period, jewellery was loved by the people especially women and formed a major part of their lives. Pendants, like this fine example, were one of the most popular items of Elizabethan jewellery apart form rings, brooches, earrings, and necklaces. Mostly made of gold, silver, copper and copper-gilded metals together with precious and semi-precious stones such as diamonds, rubies and crystals, jewellery was only available to the upper classes due to expensive costs. As such, jewellery in the Elizabeth Era was worn and flaunted by people from the nobility as a symbol of affluence and wealth.
Elizabethan Gold Crescent-Shaped Openwork Pendant with Winged Putti
$1,751.58
A fine gold Elizabethan openwork, crescent-shaped pendant featuring a winged Putto. To its lower edge, the crescentic frame features five pierced lugs, three of which are embellished with dangling attachments formed from coiled wire and a single loop. The inner band features a winged putto mask to the centre, modelled with delicate facial features to indicate the eyes and nose. The wings are adorned with green and red enamelling, which would have decorated the whole piece. From the centre rises a slender attachment, with a four-sided star at the centre, connected to a pierced, circular loop.
Provenance: Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.
Condition: Fine condition. Most of the enamaling has been lost.
In stock
| Weight | 2.8 g |
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| Dimensions | L 3 x W 2.2 cm |
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