SALE A Necklace Set with a Royal Turtle Pendant in Black and Inlaid 24kt Gold

Artisan Jewelry : Sets, Parures : Artisan Jewelry

 

Another find at an antique store, this former brooch is now a simple but whimsical pendant on a chain necklace. It's a 35x25mm turtle done fancily in a centuries old art by craftsmen from Toledo, Spain. It is called damascene ware ~ the art of decorating steel with gold, silver and copper thread. My research indicates that the 'thread' used to etch the black steel is 24kt gold inlay. I created a necklace which would be simple in design yet enhance the black and gold hues of the turtle. The parts of the turtle not 'etched' are gold in color but don't imagine that it is gold as well. It may be gold plated. The green eyes are probably crystal. A simple 14kt gold cable chain was used to hang the turtle and then a series of four Swarovski jet bicone 3mm crystals are positioned on both sides of the chain. There is a gold-filled spring clasp. The matching earrings are attached to 14kt gold-filled chain with 6mm Swarovski bicone crystals at the ends and dropping from gold-filled ear wires.

The necklace measures just short of 17" including clasp. The earrings drop 1 1/2" from the ear wires.

My father is Spanish and several years ago he and my mother traveled to Spain and loved the 'Damasquinado Calidad' prevalent in many shops in Toledo. Several gifts were purchased, of which many were given to my sister and me which we still have. This little turtle looks so 'royal' and is reminiscent of this age old art.

09-11030001-9

Item ID: 498