Sunday, December 18, 2011

Mastery of Design: The Dame Joan Evans Aigrette, 1750-60

The Victoria & Albert Museum

This aigrette of chrysoberyls set in silver takes the form of a spray with a single flower on a feathered scrolling stem. Made by an unknown jeweler in Portugal between 1750 and 1760, this aigrette is from the collection of Dame Joan Evans.

An aigrette, in jewelry, is so-called because of its resemblance to the feathers and plumes atop the head of an egret. These jewels are often meant to be worn as a turban ornament.

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