Lot 97
An Italian late 19th century gem-set pendant/brooch and chain
£5,750
Auction: 22 October 2020 at 15:00 BST
Description
The cushion-shaped citrine in an ornate collet mount with ropetwist detailing, flanked by two mermaids, holding an old brilliant-cut diamond, and suspending three pearl drops, to a palmier-link chain, pearls untested, with a wooden necklace case by Giacinto Melillo
Dimensions
Lengths: pendant 4.2cm, chain 38.0cm
Footnote
The mermaid Parthenope is one of the most beautiful and historically significant symbols of Naples. Parthenope was one of the sirens in Greek mythology and, according to legend, attempted to entice Odysseus. Having failed in her attempt, Parthenope threw herself into the sea and washed ashore on the island of Megaride. The mermaid’s body was then claimed to have dissolved and formed the shape of Naples.
