Antique Belle Epoque Diamond 'Grape' Pendant

A flexible French old mine cut diamond pendant in the form of a bunch of grapes from the early Belle Epoque period. Set into silver (now blackened with age) the unmistakeable shimmer of old cut diamonds catches the eye. Expertly secured in cut down settings a mouth watering bunch of perfectly ripe grapes has been formed with articulated sections ensuring the piece moves effortlessly with the wearer. Three delicate vine leaves form the top section of the pendant with a large slim openwork heart shaped bale (set with small old cut diamonds) completing the design. Each collet has been backed in gold to ensure that expensive fabrics are not marked by the blackened silver settings. The grapevine has a rich symbolism in jewellery history, which has evolved from the ancient world through to Christianity, and later focused around prosperity, fertility, charity and success. France itself has rich history of wine making dating back thousands of years with this pendant perhaps being originally gifted to a wealthy lady owner of a successful vineyard. Centred in Paris the Belle Epoque period (1871-1914) was a brief, but important period for jewellery design. Inspired by nature, orchids, feathers and the wonders of haute couture; jewellery was worn to excess during this period. Showpiece rings were worn with pendants, chokers, sautoirs, bracelets, and head ornaments contributing to a marvellous spectacle.