Victorian Demantoid Garnet & Pearl Plique-à-Jour Pendant objects possibly depicting Ampelos - personification

possibly depicting Ampelos - personification of the grape vine and lover of Dionysus

larger than usual

and various other weapons nearby

surrounding central pear-shaped rock crystals

and jewellery were directly inspired by the cultural obsessions of the time: atomic science

Victorian Demantoid Garnet & Pearl Plique-à-Jour Pendant objects possibly depicting Ampelos - personificationDATE: Victorian, c. 1900 Utterly charming little bug charm set with pearls and green (demantiod) garnets, and gorgeous pale purple plique jour enamelled wings. Dating from the late Victorian period, it features a loop of chain attached to its two proboscises meaning it can be worn as a solitaire pendant, or a charm on a bracelet or necklace. The wings (and arguably the garnets) really set it aside from your usual bug charms crafted in 15 karat gold,