Gold repoussé demi-parure

A high carat gold repoussé necklace and matching earrings, circa 1840. Repoussé was a decorative technique in which elements of the design were raised in relief from the back using hammers and punches. Definition and detail were then added to the front by chasing or engraving. The name repoussé is derived from the French pousser – to push forward. Here the gold repoussé work is in the form of Rococo scallops, shells and floral motifs. The necklace is 17 inches long and each floral section measures 1.5 inches by 3/4 of an inch. The matching earrings are 2 inches long and 2/3 of an inch wide at their widest point. The parure is in its original tooled leather case. The marvel of repoussé work it that it is ethereally light as a feather. This parure has remarkably survived in immaculate condition.

£6500