Victorian Demi Parure Brooch and Earring Suite

This beautiful Victorian demi parure, or partial jewelry suite, dates to the mid 1800s and comprises a brooch and earrings. Luxuriously and intricately crafted with an abundance of warm 14K yellow gold and a variety of embellishments and trims. Such an opulent display of gold and artistry not only accessorized one’s elaborate Victorian attire, but also spoke of status.

The pieces feature decorative oval centers of low relief black enamelling and taille d’epargne. Taille d’epargne refers to a form of champlevé decoration in which engraved lines of a metal base are filled in with enamel. Rope twists encased in oval surrounds frame and accent the centers. Milgraining, engraving, and scroll forms add further embellishment, while dangles of freely swinging embellished gold rods with ball drops add a dramatic flourish.

These elaborate jewelry ensembles are a favorite of the passionate antique jewelry collector. They could be worn in various ways, for instance a brooch would also be worn as a hair adornment. This lovely set endures as a testament to exuberate Victorian jewelry design and remains fashionably relevant today.

Weight 21.9 grams

Circa 1860-70