Gifts of Grandeur: The Castellani Pendant: 1860-1900

Pendant-Brooch
Castellani, Rome
1860-1900
The Victoria and Albert Museum

Designed to be worn as both a brooch and a pendant, this piece is a triumph of gold, pearls, sapphires, rubies and enamel. Designed in the Renaissance Revival made by the Roman firm of Castellani, this pendant was intended for export to England. The maker, Castellani, was celebrated for its jewelry designs which had been inspired by archaeological gold-work.
While it is clearly inspired by European jewelry of the 1600s, it’s important to note that this he brooch-pendant is not a direct copy. This is one of several versions of a similar design by Castellani-- three of which accompany this piece in the V&A.

This piece was a gift to the museum from The American Friends of the V&A.