“helios” Citrine Pendant, Restoration Period, Circa 1819–1838. 18k Gold

Citrine « Helios » Pendant
French Restauration Period, circa1819–1838.
Important citrine pendant in 18kyellow gold, centered with a rotating medallion bezel-set with a superboval-cut citrine weighing approximately 60 cts. The stone is encircled by afinely crafted frieze with vegetal motifs in three tones of gold. Thecomposition is topped by two yellow gold ribbons joined by a stylized flowerand suspended from a wide bail.
French workmanship. Maker’s mark partially visible. 

Dimensions :
Citrine dimensions: approx. 30 x24.7 x 15.2 mm
Pendant dimensions: 5.9 x 4.6 cm
Weight: 29 g (18k – 750/1000, with ram’s head hallmark [1819–1838] onone ribbon and owl hallmarks on the bail)

Condition report: This pendant, adorned with astriking citrine, rotates perfectly on its axis. It remains closed thanks to asmall threaded protrusion, which likely once held a watch key mechanism. It wasalmost certainly originally designed as a pocket watch key—or even a clockkey—meant to be worn around the neck, probably suspended from an elegant chain.The citrine is of exceptionalquality: its golden yellow hue, closely matching the color of yellow gold,beau
tifully enhances the three-tone gold frieze that surrounds it. The stoneshows a few minor surface scratches and slight wear to the edges on the reverse,but these do not in any way compromise its transparency or brilliance.The piece also displays someoxidation, particularly on the frieze around the citrine and between the flowerand the upper ribbons.This jewel is a fine example of theRestauration period aesthetic, with decorative elements that clearly echo thetaste of the 18th century, especially through its foliage-inspired friezes.