Victorian era blue paste parure set. Complete boxed set in rare vibrant blue. The 15k gold set remains in its original fitted box. A pair of bracelet, a Maltese cross pendant, torpedo drop earrings and a riviere necklace. English in origin. Circa 1880.
Necklace measures 16.75" in length.
Earrings measure 1.75" in drop length, on french earrings hooks.
Maltese cross pendant measures 1.50" in drop length and 1.50" wide.
Bracelets measure 7.50" in length and .50" wide, with hidden push clasps.
Paste stones are made from highly refractive leaded glass but paste jewels were not considered counterfeit jewelry. It was made to achieve certain decorative effects which were rarely realized with diamonds and other precious stones. In the absence of the high cost of materials, paste artisan skill's were often developed and extended much further than those of diamond workers. It is said at its peak of popularity, in Paris alone there were 300 jewelers specializing in paste Jewels.. At its best, antique paste is to be compared only with the finest jewelry for sheer artistry and craftsmanship.
Victorian era blue paste parure set. Complete boxed set in rare vibrant blue. The 15k gold set remains in its original fitted box. A pair of bracelet, a Maltese cross pendant, torpedo drop earrings and a riviere necklace. English in origin. Circa 1880.
Necklace measures 16.75" in length.
Earrings measure 1.75" in drop length, on french earrings hooks.
Maltese cross pendant measures 1.50" in drop length and 1.50" wide.
Bracelets measure 7.50" in length and .50" wide, with hidden push clasps.
Paste stones are made from highly refractive leaded glass but paste jewels were not considered counterfeit jewelry. It was made to achieve certain decorative effects which were rarely realized with diamonds and other precious stones. In the absence of the high cost of materials, paste artisan skill's were often developed and extended much further than those of diamond workers. It is said at its peak of popularity, in Paris alone there were 300 jewelers specializing in paste Jewels.. At its best, antique paste is to be compared only with the finest jewelry for sheer artistry and craftsmanship.