A charming 18 karat gold Georgian aquamarine and topaz cannetille pendant or brooch. This particular type of fine gold work was popular between 1820-1830, typically displaying the fine gold wires formed into fine scrolls, tendrils, coils and beehives. Flat sheets of gold were pressed into leaves or scroll shapes were popular motifs used in cannetille. These forms are displayed in this pendant/brooch. The central stone is aquamarine, from Brazil and the pink foil backed gems are topaz. This piece can be slipped on a chain as a pendant and also doubles up as a brooch. The piece comes in its own antique brooch box.
 
Cannetille was inspired by peasant embroidery found in virtually every European country at the time, the embroidery having the same name. This type of goldwork was produced following a gold ‘famine’ after the Napoleonic Wars so the goldsmiths created jewelry from relatively small amounts of gold using wire and thin sheets. This form was relatively short lived by 1840 gold became more readily available as new, heavier designs evolved.
 
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MATERIALS – 18 Karat gold/Aquamarine/Topaz
 
DIMENSIONS – 36mm L x 26mm W
The aquamarine center stone is 10mm L x 5mm W
Each of the four topaz are 7mm Lx 4mm W (approx)
 
WEIGHT – 6.4 g
 
HALLMARK – None, but tested as 18 karat gold with a touchstone.
 
CONDITION - GOOD This antique piece shows no damage, the gems are secure within the settings. The brooch pin is firm. Good condition for a piece of this age and attribution most gold work is intact - see images.
 
*NB - chain pictured for presentation purposes and not included.