Posted 10 years ago
Bluboi
(103 items)
A one-off acrostic gold ring, circa 1800 in its original box. Acrostic jewelry utilized gemstones to convey messages of sentiment using a secret 'language'. Gemstones 'spoke' via their arrangement in jewels, using the first letter of the name of each stone to convey a motto, sentiment or an amorous intent. This acrostic ring is set with an enamel slipper and a harlequin array of foiled gemstones where the first letter of the name of each gemstone is used to form the phrase : Elle vous va - it fits you.
E [emerald],
L [lapis lazuli]
L [lapis lazuli]
E [emerald]
V [vermeil : garnet]
O [opal]
U [vermeil : garnet, the letters 'v' and 'u' were often associated and interchangeable at this period]
S [sapphire]
V [vermeil : garnet]
A [amethyst].
The message conveyed through the arrangement of gemstones is this Cinderella slipper fits you, i.e., this ring is made for you, let me slip it on your finger. No other examples are recorded in museum collections or jewelry reference books.
I just thought about this horse shoe brooch that I have... I wonder if it's also an acrostic piece of jewelry... I googled the alphabet but can't make out what it's saying.
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/149192-art-nouveau-horseshoe-pin
I think my first post got deleted... I was just saying how amazing this is...
Acrostic jewelry will read from left to right, so depending on how the pin is placed, that would be the order of the initials. The most common acrostic sayings are "adore,""dearest" and "regard." Here is an article about it:
http://www.nationaljeweler.com/fashion/style-trends/The-history-behind-acrostic-jewelry-6292.shtml
Napoleon was fascinated by acrostic jewelry and had a variety of pieces commissioned to commemorate important events, such as births and marriages with names and dates spelled out in stones.
Thank you... I am assuming since it's a horseshoe that it will be facing up (the two ends will be in up right position). I believe that is supposed to mean good luck.
I will continue to try to decipher... I am just really amazed I have never heard of this before. These is still so much I don't know :)
Once again, thank you! You make me learn about Vermeil name for garnet in acrostic Jewels :-)
Fantastique! In the flirty and seductive language of gems and jewelry in its time, this ring, and its message, would have several layers of meaning, certainly understood by the giver and recipient, but rather lost to us today.
And fabulous to have the original box.
This just glorious and brings goose bumps, we have lost so much 'stuff' over the years, it's very sad I think!
There was a show on here recently that would match these perfectly quite stunning
Sweet info and Piece!! Your collection is Amazing!!!!