Renaissance gold and enamel hat or hair jewel

Code: 11451

This is a superb and rare Renaissance gold and enamel jewel, dating to the 16th - early 17th century. It would have originally been sewn onto a rich brocaded fabric or silks (by a royal or aristocratic lady). This enameled roundel can often be seen in contemporary portraiture, either worn in the hair or sewn on dresses. Either way, it has an aristocratic heritage, but whom it once belonged ha been lost to history.

The jewel is made from gold intricately spun in filigree and enamel, the goldsmith who created this masterpiece clearly had a great deal of competence and skill! The white enamel formed as globules to represent tiny seed pearls attached to the gold wirework. 

This jewel is in excavated condition, as such is distorted and missing some of the enamels. Still a very rare object and worthy of further research. Interestingly I was informed this jewel was found in assocition with the gold chain section 11437.

OBJECT: Jewel

CULTURE: Renaissance (Tudor Period)

DATE: c. 1550 - 1620 A.D.

MATERIAL: Gold and enamel

SIZE: 35mm x 26mm x 14mm

WEIGHT: 5.04 grams

PROVENANCE: From a European private collection.