Posted 8 years ago
Bluboi
(103 items)
I haven't been buying much jewelry since retiring, but this lovely pendant called to me, especially as it is in its original fitted leather box. It is definitely Victorian Archaeological Revival and has a flavor of Castellani and Giuliano, but, based on its fitted case, it is likely the work of Robert Phillips.
The pendant is 18K gold with wonderful ovals of teal, white, and green enamel. There are multiple types of twisted and granulated goldwork around the banded agate and some of the enamel has individual gold granules. There is a compartment containing hair in the back. I would circa date this to the 1860s. The pendant is 3" long and the central section is 1 1/4" in diameter. Unfortunately, the chain for the pendant is gone... ;-(
The box is marked on the inside of the lid:
[Crown symbol]
Phillips
23 Cockspur St
London
Phillips Brothers, also known as Robert Phillips, was founded by Robert and his brother Magnus at some point before 1839. According to the 1841 census, Magnus was much older than Robert (40 to his 26), and was classified as a silversmith, whilst Robert was a watch maker. Magnus died in 1847, and the 1851 census records Robert, by now 36, as having been born in Abergavenny, Monmouth, and describes him as a goldsmith and jeweller. Magnus’s place in the business is later filled by Robert’s son, Alfred (born 1845/46). In 1869 the name of the firm changes to Phillips Brothers & Son to reflect Alfred’s becoming a partner with his father; he takes over completely in 1884, Robert having died in 1881.
Mary Haweis mentions ‘Messrs Phillips of Cockspur Street’ in her 1878 book, The Art Of Beauty: ‘Under the direction of Messrs Phillips, the most perfect models are sought for the ornaments they furnish. Museums and picture galleries are ransacked for devices of necklaces, earrings and pendants…. I saw facsimiles of exquisite Etruscan and Greek collars in gold, every detail being carefully studied, and reproduced after the manner of the ancients.’
Wow. Fro the looks of the box, the chain must have been quite substantial. Nice piece!
the enamel is pretty amazing, as is the agate!
Very beautiful piece!!!
Aaah! Splendid piece, does it fit in etruscan revival style?
Inspired from the bullae pendants/lockets?
For me, having the original case is a big plus, even if the chain isn't present anymore:-)
A Substantial Jewel !!!
Thanks for the Loves and comments!
Kyra, I agree with you regarding style -- Etruscan Revival (rather than Egyptian or Renaissance).
Stunner! Beautifully made, and congratulations on your retirement.
HAPPY RETIREMENT!!
Beautiful piece, just stunning!! Amazing COLLECTION !!
Thank you for the "Happy retirement" wishes. Still figuring out what to do with myself!
Good job that Robert didn't have a passion to be a Milliner!
A splendid piece of all that is luxurious and lavish, that someone (or more than one) had laboured over for a long time. Amazing.
Museum quality piece. Beautiful!