Gold, enamel, seed pearl and diamond demi-parure, Early 19th century

Comprising: a necklace centring on an oval portrait miniature depicting Louis XVI, framed with rose diamonds and foliate polychrome enamel decoration, suspending a fringe of seed pearls, the two additional portraits similarly set, each linked with enamel, seed pearl and diamond chains, inner circumference approximately 420mm, French assay marks; accompanied by a pendant of similar design, original gilt tooled fitted case.

Cf: Hugh Tait, 'The Art of the Jeweller, A Catalogue of the Hull Grundy Gift to the British Museum', Volume 1 page 57 item 329 and Volume II plate 19, for a simialr example of a royalist  enamel necklace.

Mounted in silver and gold, all miniatures with dust beneath glass, rose diamonds bright and lively with mixed colours and clarities, enamel decoration with some very small losses, not noticeable to the naked eye, small traces of lead solder throughout to the chain links, not noticeable to the naked eye. Pendant with later pendant fittings to the reverse stamped with later French assay marks.
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The present necklace belongs to a group of jewels produced during the early 19th century as royalist ornaments produced to celebrate the restoration of the monarchy in 1815. This trend continued throughout the 19th century and was given added impetus by Empress Eugénie who created a cult following for her tragic predecessor Marie Antoinette.