Incredible  Repousse gold French Cherub Suite circa 1830.
Comprising a pair of repousse gold girandole earrings and a repousse collar with 7 enamel hearts and a diamond shaped drop to echo the earrings. Wonderful scenes of cherubs and nymphs in scenes with lyres and urns and foliage - all en grisaille. Each gold heart alternates between a small circular enamel scene. Around each enamel plaque is super lightweight gold designed a foliage, some sections with a granualar texture to add contrast. The earrings have tops set with a cherub head enamel, the drops three elongated diamond shapes one with an urn, one with a lyre and the central one with a cherub. The drops can be removed and just the tops worn for daytime use.
 
Repousse is a method of decorating metals in which parts of the design are raised in relief from the back or the inside of the article by means of hammers and punches; definition and detail can then be added from the front by chasing or engraving. The name repoussé is derived from the French pousser, “to push forward.” This ancient technique, which has been used extensively throughout the history of metalworking, achieved widespread popularity in Europe during the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries.
 
The earrings are 75mm long and about 30mm at widest point.
 
They weigh 10.8g the both Necklace -wearable length 17"
 
90mm drop at centre front all in
 
Weight - 22.5g materials - gilded 18 carat gold,
 
enamel condition - excellent antique condition
 
French circa 1830
 
This suite is presented in an original box which i am getting restored as someone has made a hash of it