UP FOR CONSIDERATION:

Ladies three-piece antique Victorian Italian filigree matched earrings and Portrait brooch set. The brooch (missing its pin, has loop for a chain, chain not included) is marked 800 silver, in a picture frame and open scroll design containing one (1) oval hand painted woman's head face & neck measuring approximately 31.50mm and a circle of fifteen (15) small blue turquoise stones.  Picture is unsigned. Also Ladies non-pierced clip-back earrings containing two (2) oval handpainted woman's picture matching above brooch and measuring approximately 23.00mm each. 

Hard to find as a set.

PORTRAIT JEWELRY
It can be hand painted on porcelain, paper or mother-of-pearl.... it can be set in gold with precious gems, mounted on jet or simply costume jewelry... it can be a lovely lady, a dignified gentleman or a charming child...or the Virgin Mary (Madonna).

Portrait jewelry is a sentimental favorite, a personality captured in time and a classic fashion accessory.

In the days before photography, a hand-painted portrait miniature was a desirable keepsake or love token. While some of these miniature art works were done of actual people including both royalty and everyday folks, others were painted of mythological characters and idealized lovely ladies. Mother-of-pearl and vellum were often used as paint surfaces. Settings range from the simplest rolled gold twist frame brooch to gem encrusted wonders. Artists who did portrait miniatures were called "limners" and they did not only pieces for jewelry, but also work meant to be framed for display, often in lacquered wood embellished frames.  Some traveled from city to city taking commissions as they went. Portraits could be worn on velvet ribbons around the neck, as brooches, rings and bracelets, and in lockets. Even men occasionally worn portraits suspended around the neck under their shirts.

Please view photos and message us any questions. We are happy to answer quickly. 

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