Victorian seed pearl, onyx and 14 carat gold Demi-Parure.

Exquisitely Hand made Victorian Demi-Parure. The set comprises of a pair of earrings and a brooch which has a attachment for a chain to pass through, totally restored. Possibly worn as a mourning set, with the seed pearls set within 14 carat yellow gold on onyx. Influenced by the death of Prince Albert in 1861, Queen Victoria and the nation were stunned and devastated by grief. In the United States the assassination of Abram Lincoln in 1865 deepened this international time of mourning. Influenced by the strict protocol of mourning it influenced a dramatic change in fashion and jewellery. Jet, onyx ,vulcanite and French jet( glass) were popular materials used for mourning jewellery. Other gems used were rock crystal,garnets,diamonds, pearls, opal, emeralds and Ruby.

The numerous archaeological discoveries of the Victorian period, unearthed a inspiration of design and techniques, changing and influencing the jewellery of the day. What was old then became new again and the styles changed with the influence of what was unearthed from archaeological digs.Fashions were formed and recreated centuries later, and will continue in the future.

Today this set would look positively spectacular as evening ware or could be worn to a formal setting.(Photos form part of the description)

Brooch / pendant: The condition is excellent with 38 seed pearls set, the catch had obviously been    
damaged in the past and reattached.

Brooch/pendant: Length just under 2 inches. Width just under 1 ½ inches.

Earrings: Condition excellent: Slight flea bite chip on back of onyx of one but been professionally fulled.Set with 14 seed pearls each.

Earrings: Length includes shepherds hook, 1 ½ inches .Width ½ inch.

Weight: 28.57 grams 14 carat yellow gold.