Comprising a necklace and a brooch convertible into a pendant

Round, oval-shaped and briolette amethysts, French import assay marks for 18K yellow gold (750‰), maker's mark on necklace, circa 1830, fitted case

Size/Dimensions: necklace 47.0 cm long, brooch 4.5 x 6.0 cm
Gross weight: 101.78 grams

This demi-parure, set with amethysts, stands out for its sumptuous cannetille decoration, a fine jewelry technique inherited from the 18th century. Cannetille involves shaping tiny twisted or coiled metal wires, which are then wound, molded, and soldered to create a delicate relief of scrolls and arabesques.
This painstakingly meticulous work gives the jewel an openwork and luminous appearance, as if the metal itself were brought to life with shimmering reflections. The combination of the amethysts’ soft hue and the refinement of the filigree-like decoration perfectly illustrate the artistry and taste for sophistication characteristic of 19th-century jewelry.
Fragile and precious, cannetille is a testament to rare artisanal craftsmanship, where the goldsmith’s hand transforms gold or silver wire into a true metallic lace, thereby enhancing the natural brilliance of the stones.