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Victorian Gem-set Gold Holbeinesque Pendant

A sumptuous Victorian Holbeinesque pendant, made in around 1880. Holbeinesque is a term used to describe Victorian jewellery that was made in the style of the Renaissance, particularly inspired by the Northern Renaissance and the paintings of Hans Holbein. Holbein himself produced sketches of the jewellery worn at the Tudor court, and the sketches were used as reference points by Victorian jewellery designers and craftsmen. This pendant is bold and colourful, featuring bright Kelly-green emeralds, purple-hued garnets and wonderfully coloured enamel set on yellow gold. This magnificent piece would look superb on a Victorian chain or suspended from a velvet ribbon in the Victorian style. Joanna Hardy says: €œWhen I first opened the box, my first reaction was, ‘Wow’. The combination of colours and the design are so unique. This is such a special jewel and one for the collector. The garnets are of a purple-red colour. It is a joyous pendant and in great condition, though the fitted case is not commensurate with the age of the pendant. I do love these Renaissance revival Victorian jewels; the colours of the gems and enamel, plus the richness of the gold€™s colour, make it quite a sumptuous jewel. The lovely chasing on the reverse shows that the goldsmith has taken pride in making this jewel and wants it to look as good from the back as from the front.€