Description
This is a beautiful 1920s Victorian revival, 800 Silver, Mediterranean red coral, hand painted portrait pendant brooch. It is from an estate from may decades ago and is in original, excellent, unaltered condition. Hallmarked 800 on both the back cover and the back frame. Of European original it has a fancy filigree twisted rope frame and all of its original Mediterranean/Italian red coral. Both the portrait and all. of the. coral are bezel set.
European miniature portrait brooches with 800 silver fancy settings were popular, particularly in the 1920s to 1930s as part of a trend for romanticized, nostalgic jewelry. These often featured hand-painted portraits of women in Renaissance-style dress or idealized scenes, set in intricate silver filigree, often produced in Italy and Austria.
- Style Context: While the 1920s was characterized by the bold geometric shapes of Art Deco, there was also a concurrent, enduring popularity for sentimental, vintage-style pieces.
- Material: The use of “800 silver” (80% silver) was common in European (especially German/Italian) jewelry manufacturing during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Features: These pieces often functioned as both brooches and pendants and were frequently worn to reflect a romantic or artistic aesthetic.
- Production: Many were marketed as antique-style, bringing Renaissance or Romantic period aesthetics into the Art Deco era.
Size Measurements:
Size is 1 3/4″ tall North to South by 1 7/16″ across East to West.
Weight is 10.5 grams.
It is from an estate and has very minor age wear. Other than this the condition is excellent. No dents, dings or tears. No repair. All filigree is still good. No damage to portrait or red coral stones. They are still deep red and crisp. Both the frame and the portrait are excellent condition. Having fine quality European handcrafting this is a lovely addition for your fine miniature portraits collection and or antique jewelry collection. Since many collectors prefer complete originality this pendant pin has been left in its original condition, unpolished with age patina.
About Portrait Miniatures:
European miniature portrait brooches with 800 silver fancy settings were popular, particularly in the 1920s to 1930s as part of a trend for romanticized, nostalgic jewelry. These often featured hand-painted portraits of women in Renaissance-style dress or idealized scenes, set in intricate silver filigree, often produced in Italy and Austria.
- Style Context: While the 1920s was characterized by the bold geometric shapes of Art Deco, there was also a concurrent, enduring popularity for sentimental, vintage-style pieces.
- Material: The use of “800 silver” (80% silver) was common in European (especially German/Italian) jewelry manufacturing during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Features: These pieces often functioned as both brooches and pendants and were frequently worn to reflect a romantic or artistic aesthetic.
- Production: Many were marketed as antique-style, bringing Renaissance or Romantic period aesthetics into the Art Deco era.
