Discovering the elegance of the 1810s: the French gold slave collar
This magnificent antique French necklace, dating from around 1810, is a remarkable example of the Empire style, reflecting the grandeur of early 19th-century design. Made of two-tone 18-carat gold, it showcases the intricate art of enameling, a refined craft since Antiquity, evoking a certain nostalgia. Its design, characteristic of Bresse enamel, is renowned for its vibrant and lasting beauty, giving the piece an elegant look. Called a "slave necklace," this piece bears witness to a rich French heritage, often considered the most precious wedding gift. Adorned with a rooster's head, a symbol of elegance, it inspires awe with its historical and cultural significance.
Antique jewelry object group: necklace
Condition: excellent condition
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Country of origin: France
Style: Empire - The Empire style, sometimes considered the second phase of Neoclassicism, is a design movement from the early 19th century in architecture, furniture, decorative arts, and visual arts, which developed in Europe and America until about 1830. This style finds its origin and takes its name from the period when Napoleon I ruled France, known as the First French Empire, where it aimed to idealize Napoleon's leadership and the French state. This style corresponds to the Biedermeier style in German-speaking countries, the Federal style in the United States, and the Regency style in Great Britain. An earlier phase of the style was called the Adam style in Great Britain and "Louis Seize" or Louis XVI in France.
- See also: Empire or more info about the styles
Period: circa 1810
- (events and facts from this era, poetry from this era, fashion from this era)
Material: Two-tone 18-carat gold (yellow and red)
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Technique: Enameling is an ancient and widespread technique. The Egyptians of Antiquity applied enamels to pottery and stone objects. The Greeks, Celts, Russians, and Chinese of Antiquity also used enameling processes on metal objects. Enamel is the colorful result of fusing glass powder onto a substrate by firing, generally between 750 and 850 °C. The powder melts, flows, and hardens to form a smooth, durable glassy coating on metal, glass, or ceramic. According to some sources, the word enamel comes from the Old High German smelzan (to melt) via Old French esmail. Used as a noun, "an enamel" refers to a generally small decorative object covered with a layer of enamel, such as champlevé or cloisonné (different techniques).
The type of enameling is typical of the city of Bresse in France, hence the name Bresse enamel.
Additional information: Slave collar (Esclavage) is a French term that literally means “slavery.” We leave it to you to interpret this designation. It is a type of necklace made up of three chains or rows or more of pearls or precious stones, suspended at roughly equal distances from each other. They were worn in Normandy as peasant jewelry in the mid-18th century. In many regions of France, these jewels were the most beautiful ones offered by the groom to his wife on their wedding day. The definition of “slave collar” appears for the first time in the Dictionnaire de Trévoux in 1752. This necklace is known for its very wide geographical distribution. In Normandy, the gold pieces were often engraved. A slave collar is an extremely rare object and we are proud to be able to offer one here.
Hallmarks: The French hallmark representing a rooster’s head, which was used in France for 18-carat gold around 1810.
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Dimensions: length 51.00 cm (20.08 inches) cm
Weight: 13.90 grams (8.94 dwt)
Référence 58 Facettes : 9806781743433
SKU : 15128-0176
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About this seller:
Vendeur professionnel - Statut : Diamond
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