Vintage Ethereal St. Esprit Paste Pendant Necklace - Circa 1840 Antique Jewelry for Special Occasions & Historical Reenactments

St. Esprit themed jewelry was popular in the late 18th and early to mid 19th centuries in France and surrounds and was characteristic of a type of pastoral or regional jewelry especially from the Northern areas.

The motif was frequently employed utilizing a dove bird holding a branch, often with several ornate drops. The bird represents the Holy Spirit with its offering a peace to the world, it is portrayed holding in its beak an olive branch.

The pendant is dramatic and yet delicate in its details, all created in silver and encrusted with paste gemstones. Each paste is set closed-backed.

In three parts, the bottom two elements may be unhooked together so that you can wear the top alone, with another drop, or the bottom two dangles by themselves. The surmount is designed as a flower or snowflake. A bow motif fills the center (another quintessential 18th century and later motif) and the bottom depicts the dove and branch.

Style this on a ribbon or it looks equally fab at home with a fine or chunky chain. Need one? Just ask.