Georgian Portuguese Rock Crystal Butterfly Pendant

A scarce survivor this antique 18th century hand faceted Rock Crystal butterfly/garland decoration was once part of a larger jewel. We found it as her as she is now, beautifully pretty; (just adding a ring so she can be worn again). The jewel this element originates from would have been in the realm of only the privileged few. 

We are confident that she is of Portuguese and that likely the Rock Crystal gems originated from the Brazilian Minas Novas which were under Portuguese control at the time. 

Every day is a school day for us and we’ve worked hard to research and trace evidence of the origin of this piece so that we can understand this and pass it on. We hope that one of you will be as enchanted with her as we are. She has centuries of herstory to share...

Excited to offer her up for a new journey into the future; every small part of her loved; lost; repaired; recycled down the centuries to live again! 

In our images you'll see some of a collarette from our collection which was made from similar sections so you can see how she might have once lived. 

Stones: hand faceted Rocky Crystal set over foils. There has been some water ingress over the centuries which has misted the clarity to the top two stones a little.

Metal: Fine Silver, tested but unmarked. The ring is of 9ct yellow Gold.

Measurements: the pendant measures 2cm at longest and the Silver cable link chain measures 18 inches. 

In most cases the boxes are for display only but a nice quality modern reproduction box will accompany this piece.