Antique Victorian Branch Coral & Taille D'epargne Gold Plated Pendant

Antique Victorian ( (c.1837-c.1901)) Branch Coral Gold Plated Pendant featuring Taille D'epargne enamel design and two hooks located on the backside for necklace versatility. The pendant features real branch coral and gold electroplated with intricate design details. 

Measurements: 1.5 inches

Weight: 4.1 grams

Pendant is in very good antique condition with patina and signs of wear on the backside. Minor Light oxidization/rust and patina on the left side of the piece that is commensurate with age.

The pendant does not have any markings or stampings

Quantity: 1

History: The Victorian Era (c.1837-c.1901) was named after Queen Victoria, whose reigned lasted from 1837-1901 in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. She is the second longest ruling monarch. There are three periods within the Victorian Jewelry Era: The Romantic Era (1837-60), The Grand Era (1861-1880), and the Aesthetic Era (1880-1901). Popular designs included the famous ‘mourning jewelry’ period within the Grand Era. The ‘Mourning’ Grand Era began after Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert,  passed away. Queen Victoria went into a deep mourning stage while consistently wearing all black attire & jewelry. Mourning Jewelry was common in both the U.K and the U.S. Common jewelry characteristics within this period included black & gold enamel, monogrammed personal accessories, memorial sentimental jewelry such as strands of a deceased loved one’s hair or photograph. Common materials used were jet, onyx, gold, and glass. The last period within the Victorian Era was the Aesthetic Era, which emphasized Queen Victoria’s optimism and looking forward to brighter days. 

Taille D'epargne: Taille d'epargne enamel designs were popular and used in Victorian Mourning-style jewelry. During the mid-19th century, it was common to see accessories with black enamel and gold tracery designs. This popular Victorian jewelry design is called taille d'epargne, French for 'saving cut. This intricate enamel technique originally emerged from England's Birmingham factories and became one of the statement looks of the Grand Period (1861-1880) within the Victorian Era. This period is historically known as the ‘mourning era,’ a time of grieving for Queen Victoria after her husband, Prince Albert, passed. Taille d'epargne enamel designs can be seen on various Victorian pieces, including hinged bracelets, brooches, and pins.