Baroque Silver-gilt and Turquoise Hat Jewel / Slide

Code: 10434

This is a wonderful Baroque silver-gilt and turquoise hat jewel, dating to the 17th century. The impressive looking jewel is set with 45 natural turquoise gems, within a cluster formation. Each concentric section has been riveted to the piece above (similar to a coronet) giving a domed design to the jewel. These turquoises would have been imported by merchants trading with the Ottoman empire, where sky blue turquoise was the most highly prized. Greeny blue gems were suitable for the European market and so most early gems are of this colour. This jewel retains the original slide fitments on the back, along with a later pin.    

OBJECT: Hat Jewel / Slide

CULTURE: Baroque

DATE: c. 1620 - 1680 A.D.

MATERIAL: Silver-gilt with turquoise gems

SIZE: 27mm x 15mm

WEIGHT: 6.8 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. Private Collection, Penzance. Cornwall.