victorian silver paste girandole pendant
A late nineteenth century pendant in girandole form, crafted in silver and set with round pastes, stylistically reminiscent of similar eighteenth century jewelry but showing the hallmarks of later reproduction of the style, such as the uniform paste shape and size, circa 1880.
Eighteenth century Portuguese jewelry reached a zenith of excellence and attractiveness hitherto unparalleled. Certain distinctive patterns are observed, particularly the girandole, named for an ornamental branched candlestick, consisting of three drops suspended from a decorative central piece. Some pieces were set with colored stones such as chrysoberyl, topaz, and amethyst, while others were set with paste or colorless crystals, known in Portugal as 'minas novas.' The stones are often magnificently varied in size and shape, and these pieces are rare and highly prized by knowledgeable collectors.