Items Similar to The Gigantas Pendant
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 7
The Gigantas Pendant
About the Item
The Gigantas Pendant, an important late 16th century Renaissance baroque pearl, gold and enamelled pendant, with later alterations, depicting one of the Greek gigantes, wearing the ivy wreath of Dionysus and holding the arrow of Apollo in his hand, the lower body formed from one unusually-shaped baroque pearl, the serpent legs decorated with enamel, within a polychrome enamel gold scrolling surround, set with five pearls, with a ruby-set sash, suspended from a fine-link gold chain, with brooch fitting to reverse, all to a finely engraved gold plaque, 9.6cm high, South German, late 16th century, measuring approximately 9.6 x 5.4cm, gross weight 51.8 grams, illustrated in 'Jewellery, Reference and Price Guide by Michael Poynder, page 99, plate 82, courtesy of Christies'.
*For similar examples see the Triton Pendant, Louvre, exhibit no OA 2945, the Nereid and Child Pendant, British Museum, exhibit no WB155 and the Crowned Mermaid Pendant, Museo degli Argenti, Palazzo Pitti, exhibit no 2557. These examples, detailed descriptions of which are appended below, and the Gigantas pendant described here, differ fundamentally from the controversial Canning Jewel acquired by the V&A in 1931, exhibit no M.2697-1931, originally thought to date circa 1580 by Joan Evans, but reassessed in the Catalogue of the Waddesdon Bequest in the British Museum 1986, as a product of the 19th century. Whilst the Canning Jewel is now viewed as a copy of a jewel in the Renaissance style, the other pieces, including the Gigantas Pendant, are recognized as original late 16th century creations, albeit some with later alterations.
Additions include two original ruby-set collets upon the sash and one upon the cape which appear to have been taken from the scrolled framework from either side and between the Gigantas’s legs and replaced with three pearls secured by gold wire. Two additional pearls appear to have been similarly attached to the outer scrolls of the pendant and one possibly later pearl suspended from its base. The arrow would appear to be a later replacement. The remains of the polychrome enamel on the scroll surround would appear to be original but the Gigantas’s gold serpent’s legs appear to have been re-enamelled. The brooch fitting is a late 19th century addition.
This important pendant/brooch is in very good condition for its age. Unmarked, tested as 22ct gold, with 14ct gold later brooch fitting.
A magnificent collector’s item from Bentley & Skinner, the London jewellers by appointment to both Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.
Should you choose to make this purchase we would be delighted to send it to you in a Bentley & Skinner handmade leather case packed in a gift-wrapped Bentley & Skinner black and gold presentation box. Shortly afterwards we will send you on a valuation for insurance purposes for your reference and safekeeping.
Should you choose to make this purchase we would be delighted to send it to you in a Bentley & Skinner handmade leather case packed in a gift-wrapped Bentley & Skinner black and gold presentation box. Shortly afterwards we will send you on a valuation for insurance purposes for your reference and safekeeping.
- Metal:Gold,14k Gold,22k Gold,Enamel,Yellow Gold
- Stone:Diamond,Natural Pearl,Ruby
- Stone Cut:Uncut
- Style:Renaissance
- Place of Origin:Germany
- Period:16th Century
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1580
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:
About the Seller
4.9
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Established in 1880
1stDibs seller since 2014
76 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 7 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 30 days of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- Edwardian Enamel and Natural Pearl Pendant or BroochLocated in London, GBAn Edwardian enamel and natural pearl pendant/brooch, to the centre an old European-cut diamond estimated to weigh 0.4 carats, surrounded by gree...Category
Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold, Enamel
- The Thebes Scarab Pendant by Robert PhillipsBy Robert PhillipsLocated in London, GBThe Thebes Scarab Pendant: an archaeological revival gold and enamel scarab brooch/pendant, by Robert Phillips, set to the centre with a raised scarab ...Category
Antique 1860s British Egyptian Revival Brooches
MaterialsGarnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Victorian Hardstone Cameo Brooch PendantLocated in London, GBA Victorian hardstone cameo brooch pendant with blue enamel and pearl surround, the hardstone cameo depicting a female face in the Roman style s...Category
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Brooches
MaterialsAgate, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
- Important Holbeinesque Garnet and Enamel PendantLocated in London, GBAn important Holbeinesque garnet and enamel pendant, the large oval carbuncle garnet surrounded by a border of round faceted chrysolite and a...Category
Antique 1860s British Holbeinesque Brooches
MaterialsChrysoberyl, Garnet, Yellow Gold, Enamel
- Victorian Garnet Enamel and Diamond Pendant or BroochLocated in London, GBA Victorian garnet, enamel and diamond pendant, set to the centre with an oval cabochon-cut garnet, measuring approximately 21.5x17.2mm, surrounded by old-cut diamond-set floral moti...Category
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Garnet, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel
- Edwardian Pearl and Diamond Brooch/PendantLocated in London, GBAn Edwardian pearl and diamond brooch, the brooch with a diamond-set ribbon bow surmount, set to the centre with a pearl within a graduatin...Category
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold, Platinum
You May Also Like
- Art Nouveau 1890 Plique a Jour Pendant Brooch in 18kt Gold Diamonds Pearls RubyLocated in Miami, FLArt Nouveau Plique à jour pendant brooch. A exceptional piece, created during the Art Nouveau period, back in the 1890. Surely It was crafted in Austria or Germany with the difficul...Category
Antique 1890s Austrian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yell...
- Antique Edwardian Diamond Star Pendant White Enamel Seed Pearls Round BroochLocated in Torrance, CAFinely detailed antique Edwardian era pendant or brooch (circa 1910s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Old mine cut diamond is estimated at 0.20 carats (estimated at J-K color and I...Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, White Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
- Turquoise Pearl Pendant Brooch Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Enamel Estate JewelryLocated in Torrance, CAFinely detailed turquoise & cultured pearl pendant (brooch/in) crafted in 14k yellow gold (circa 1950s to 1960s). Cabochon cut turquoise measures from 2mm to 4mm. Cultured pearls ...Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsPearl, Cultured Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
- Antique Victorian Etruscan 15k Solid Gold Hair Picture Locket Brooch Pin PendantLocated in Montclair, NJHere we have an amazing antique hair/picture locket from Victorian England. The piece is solid 15k yellow gold and has its original patina in tact. The piece has an Etruscan style de...Category
Antique 1890s British Etruscan Revival Brooches
MaterialsNatural Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
- Art Nouveau 1905 Edwardian Enamel Flower Pendant Brooch 14kt Gold Diamond PearlsLocated in Miami, FLEdwardian enameled white Orchid convertible brooch. Beautiful three-dimensional piece, created in America during the Edwardian and the Art Nouveau periods, between the 1901-1910. Th...Category
Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
- Austria 1870 Vienna Carved Agate Pendant Brooch in 18kt Gold with Natural PearlsLocated in Miami, FLAustrian carved agate cameo of Ceres. Magnificent neo classical piece, created in Vienna Austria back in the 1870. It was crafted in solid yellow gold of 18 karats and finished with textured and polished patterns. This piece feature 2 fabulous three-dimensional cameo pieces, carved from natural agate of two layers, with gradations of colors; from translucent orange brown to frosted white. The quality of the carvings are exceptional, with intricate thorough details. for example, the ear and the incised lines of the hair are magnificent. Embellished with applications of black enamel and fitted at the reverse with a hinged horizontal pin to be wear as a brooch and a bale to wear in a chain. Both carved agate cameos depicts young womans with a Greek profile...Category
Antique 1870s Austrian Neoclassical Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsAgate, Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Fire Agate, Gold, Y...
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Dionysus Leather
Dionysus Black
Gold Diamond Crown Brooch
19th Century Jewel Case
Antique German Jewelry Box
Serpent Pendant
Enamel Pearl Brooch Pendant
Arrow Brooch
16th Century Crown
Wreath Brooch
Wreath Brooches
Antique Crown Brooch
Hand Holding Pearl
Brooch Link Diamonds Gold
Gold Diamond Baroque Pearl Brooch
Wales Pendant
Serpent Enamel
V Brooch