We have similar Mughal and Art Nouveau items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Mughal" or "Nouveau" under our items.
Listing description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Markings: Unmarked, tested, and guaranteed
Main stone: Jet
Main stone measurements/color:
- Diameter: 9 mm
- Color: opaque black hue
Accent stone: --
Accent stone measurements/color: --
Stone treatment: Jet is a manufactured stone. Stone(s) have been tested and guaranteed using a professional Presidium Duo refractive, heat, and hardness tester.
Stone cuts: Round cabochon
Item measurements:
Notable features:
- handmade during the Art Nouveau era in the Mughal Empire
- composed of bronze and copper with a base metal closure
- features two copper elephants with hand-chased details
- these elephants stand atop a silver ribbon, beneath which is a bronze oval with a star-shaped dangle
- a black jet stone adorns the center of the star
Damage: Age appropriate wear. The clasp and its fabric backing appears to be a replacement from a previous owner. The price has been reduced to reflect this.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
The Art Nouveau era (1890-1910) was also called "La Belle Epoque" in French, which translates to "A Beautiful Time.” This was true due to the gorgeous designs that emerged from this period. This era drew inspiration from the beauty of women and the natural world, and the resulting pieces were often large and elegant. Because the period emphasized the importance of the design over the materials used to create it, enamel was a common material used in Art Nouveau jewelry. The Art Nouveau period occurred before the start of the first World War, when mass manufacturing took over the production of many products, including some jewelry.
Mughal jewelry emerged in India during the Mughal dynasty, beginning in the 16th century. Jewelry was an important symbol indicating a person’s status in society. The elite wore highly ornate and massively jeweled pieces. As the Mughal empire conquered the majority of India, the Mughal style spread to many other regions, being incorporated into many Indian cultures. Pieces usually display intricate designs, massive amounts of gemstones, and elaborate enameling.
Black jet is a beautiful hardened fossilized coal type of material that has the appearance of black glass. Jet has been used since around 100 BC. Carved statues have been found in prehistoric burial mounds. In antique jewelry, this symbolized mourning and was in high fashion for over 100+ years.
