An Antique Paste and Silver "Spiritus" Pendant and Chain Necklace, circa 19th century
Description
The large Saint-Esprit motif featuring an elaborate floral bow, a dove and an olive branch, decorated throughout with clear paste, and with red paste accents, in silver; with a later added silver tubular box linking chain, length 29 inches
Condition
Weight: 37.7 grams
Pendant dimensions: 75 x 40 mm
Good condition, with one clear paste deficient and a solder repair
In an area of highly collectible antique jewellery, the term “paste” refers to (usually) colourless gems that were made of a highly refractive and dispersive hand-cut specialty glass that was made for use in fine jewellery, and was utilized in many prestige jewels in the 1700s and the 1800s. Paste was made to produce a brilliance resembling that of diamonds, and was used in precious jewellery, often made in silver and gold. Paste was used as an alternative to diamonds at a time when there was very limited availability of diamonds in the world.
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