
- Necklace
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Necklace
- Place of origin:
England (made)
- Date:
ca. 1830 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Unknown
- Materials and Techniques:
Gold, turquoise and diamonds
- Credit Line:
Gift of Elizabeth Blunt through The Art Fund
- Museum number:
M.2:1, 2-2001
- Gallery location:
Jewellery, Rooms 91, The William and Judith Bollinger Gallery, case 19, shelf A, box 2 []
Turquoise was used in profusion in jewellery of the 19th century. The bright blue colour echoed forget-me-nots, which signified true love in the language of flowers used in sentimental jewellery. It was a popular gift to bridesmaids, often in the form of turquoise doves. In 1840, Queen Victoria gave her twelve bridesmaids turquoise brooches in the shape of a Coburg eagle, a reference to Prince Albert’s family.
This necklace and the associated pair of earrings were given to Anne, Lady Hunloke (1788-1872) by William, 6th Duke of Devonshire (1790-1858). They are in a style which was fashionable around 1830 using turquoise, possibly from Russia and cannetille (rolled and twisted) gold .