Medallion Brooch Rose Gold And Eglomised Glass

Medallion brooch in 18 carat pink gold, made with a frame opening in two parts.
The frame is closed with a golden padlock. It is connected to the bail by four chains, and the bail is inserted into a gold pin to wear it as a brooch. It is possible to remove the pin in order to wear the medallion as a pendant. At the top of the frame an additional chain is connected with a gold key at its end, with sufficient length to reach the padlock. The padlock is locked by a notch at the end of the buckle, it opens and closes by pressing on it. Both sides of the medallion have a beveled glass plate. The front plate is more worked at the level of the bevels. Inside there is a mother-of-pearl plate to bring out the églomisé glass work. On the front side is an églomisé glass miniature representing a kneeling putto in front of an altar. The back side is blank and can accommodate a miniature portrait or, nowadays, a photo.

The term "Églomisé glass" is a French term that designates the technique of finely engraving a glass plate and then covering it with gold leaf.
The back of the plate was then painted black and showed a drawing. The name is derived from the 18th century French decorator and art dealer Jean-Baptiste Glomy (1711-1786), who was responsible for its revival. The églomisé glass technique has existed since antiquity but was used a lot during the Directory and then the Empire.

The presence of a key or a padlock suggests the sentimental value of this miniature jewel.
French work from the beginning of the 19th century. We note the presence of two punches in two different places, but not legible.
Very beautiful jewel, good condition, there are some small gaps in the églomisé decorations, and some micro scratches on the rear glass.

Dimensions -
Total weight : 18.6 grams
Length with the pin : 9.1 centimeters
Length without the pin from the bail : 8.2 centimeters
Length of the frame with the hooks (top and bottom) : 4.8 centimeters
Frame length without hooks : 4.18 centimeters
Frame width : 3.19 centimeters
Frame thickness : 5.56 centimeters
Pin width : 2.83 centimeters

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