Rare gold quatre-foil brooch with two cabochon sapphires either side of a figure, possibly Jeanne D'Arc, with helmet and plume, framed by four natural pearl beads. By Weise circa 1890
House/Maker
Wiese
Period
c1890
Origin
France
Gemstones
2 cabochon sapphires est 4.40cts4 natural pearls beads est 48grns
Setting
18ct yellow gold, with french assay marks. Signed Wiese and stamped with maker's marks for Louis Wiese
Dimensions
45mm
Literature
Michael Koch, 'The Belle Epoque of French Jewellery 1850-1910' by Thomas Heneage, London, 1990, page 94-109. A very similar example is shown in plate 25, pp, 107.
Directors Notes
Gold in Wiese's jewellery was often treated using mercury oxide to create a red patina. This distressed finish was used to give the jewel an ancient-style appearance. This is a rare example of a patina that is often lost through years of cleaning.
