Georgian Jewel Tones 👑✨

Few things are more striking on first glance than a foiled jewel. I will never forget my first… A massive Georgian lace pin that had been converted into a pendant. She featured a large central amethyst, with an asymmetrical foil that flashed violent neon magenta in certain light. I was ✨hooked✨ after that. Here we have three exceptional finds that echo my initial passion for that lace pin. Firstly, a stunning Georgian pearl, amethyst, and 12ct ring with the most delicate work, likely from the first decade of the 19th century. Next an ever so slightly later (think 1820!) regency amethyst cross with pearls and a delicately foiled bale, turn her around to see that bubble butt back. Lastly… Ah I cannot even describe to you how fond I am of this cameo. A delicate neutral agate cameo set within a halo of marcasite, expounded upon by a halo of flat cut foiled tourmalines. Superb. Circa 1775. This drop is one I’ll never forget.

This first Georgian jewel is a Wonderful Pink Gold Georgian Amethyst Flower Ring. Georgian jewelry, much like its society at the time, varied greatly throughout the reigns of different king George’s; from the rise of sophisticated rococo in the early 18th century to the romantic regency period under King George IV nearing the end of the era. During this time, women experienced somewhat a liberation in fashion; the tight and restricted nature of corsets was replaced by something much more comfortable and flowing, and jewelry was increasingly seen as a statement, making room for exquisite jewels which were to be flaunted! When I began in this business, one of the very first jewels I ever sold was a citrine Georgian floral ring, not 1/2 so fine as this one. It was live on our website not 30 minutes before a knowing collector snagged it… and the truth is, I haven’t been able to keep fat foiled pearl embellished bands in stock ever since. Circa 1800-1810, this is a super fine example with a Victorian reinforcement on the interior of the band to make it stronger.

Next up, a Regency Foiled Amethyst Cross in 15k Circa 1820. The Maltese Cross was officially adopted by the Order of the Knights Hospitallers of St. John in 1126. The eight points on the cross denote the eight obligations of the order of St. John, namely “to live in truth, have faith, repent one’s sins, give proof of humility, love justice be merciful, be sincere and whole-hearted, and to endure persecution.  A sensual Maltese cross with pearl embellishments, this sumptuous example is foiled in orchid to rose to magenta tones, creating that extremely desirable, endlessly enchanting depth that jewels of this era are known for. I’m especially fond of the amethyst and pearl top, and patterned collet settings on the pear and oval amethysts.

Lastly, we have a Extremely Rare Cameo of Athena in Neutral Agate. One of the crown jewels of my recent trip to London, this outstanding cameo features a marcasite halo, interlaced with an even larger and more impressive halo of juicy tourmalines with a 9ct bezel and smooth, wonderful reverse. This jewel dates to the 18th century, likely 1760, and is perhaps French in origin; it is very much in line with the work of the time. Perhaps has has the brooch fitting re-done, and has a line at the top, a delicate impact. Measures 37mm in length, weighs 11.8g,