Estate Originals 18K Yellow Gold Etruscan Revival Brooch with Tassels

Whether displayed at your neckline or gracing your lapel, this lavishly decorated multi-layered jewel is sure to garnish attention. Hand fabricated in yellow gold, circa the Victorian period, 1885 London, England, it's oval in shape and is embellished with intricate twisted wire, coils and granulation. It is finely sandblasted for a muted aesthetic and a nine strand graduated tassel creates delightful motion below. A hidden bale is affixed to the top allowing the brooch to transform into a pendant. You can get the matching pendant: 746294.

The appeal of Etruscan Revival jewellery is tied to the ancient Etruscans, whose civilization flourished on the western coast of Italy from approximately 700 – 300 BC. Wealthy Etruscans were buried in massive tombs, along with their jewellery and other earthly possessions. Just outside Rome in the 1830s, a series of Etruscan tombs were discovered. When opened, the beautiful gold-work found within captured the imagination of the Victorian public. Intricately wrought golden earrings and necklaces were meticulously ornamented with tiny gold beads and twisted wires densely applied to the surface. Gold work like that had never been seen before. 

The distinctive style of Etruscan Revival jewels tend to use simple geometric designs enhanced with patterns made of tiny gold granules, small blossoms, and filigree wire and fringe applied with absolute precision. Victorian Etruscan Revival jewellery was a popular style in the 19th century and took on every form possible, from parures (a complete set of matching pieces) to individual brooches, bracelets, lockets, necklaces, earrings, and more. Wealthy Victorians saw images of these archaeological finds and commissioned jewellers to make replicas. Victorians adored the Egyptian and Greek styles and their fascination for ancient jewellery naturally meant that they were in awe of Etruscan jewellery unearthed from the necropolises.

• 18K yellow gold
• Gram weight is 3.6
• Independently appraised value for insurance purposes: $2,775.00 (note: may not reflect selling price)
• Measures approximately 2.5 cm across and 3.8 cm from top to bottom

All items in the Estate Originals Collection are estate pieces created in years gone by. Although this item is in excellent condition, it could have some signs of its age and past enjoyment. The images shown are of the exact item you will receive.