Mastery of Design: An Enameled Finial, c. 1200

Finial from a reliquary
German, c. 1200
The Victoria & Albert Museum

This enameled finial of gilt copper boasts cast forms of leaves and fruit which frame its six teardrop-shaped enamel plaques. This adornment would have been made to be fitted at the top of a shrine or reliquary meant to hold the relics of a saint. When made, this probably glittered with jewels or crystals as well.

The piece was made in Germany at the start of the Thirteenth Century. 

Mastery of Design: A Hungarian Headband, mid to late Thirteenth Century

Fragment of a Headband
Thirteenth Century
Images Courtesy of The British Museum

While just a fragment now, once this headband would have adorned the brow of a wealthy Hungarian lady of the mid to late Thirteenth Century.  What remains is the frontmost piece of the band.  Two smaller sections would have flanked this and, from these, a ribbon would have been attached to tie at the back of the wearer's head.

Set in gold, cabochon rubies, sapphires and emeralds are joined by seed pearls, making a regal statement against the elegant filigree-work.

The fragment is now housed in The British Museum.

Mastery of Design: An Enameled Finial, c. 1200

Finial from a reliquary
German, c. 1200
The Victoria & Albert Museum

This enameled finial of gilt copper boasts cast forms of leaves and fruit which frame its six teardrop-shaped enamel plaques. This adornment would have been made to be fitted at the top of a shrine or reliquary meant to hold the relics of a saint. When made, this probably glittered with jewels or crystals as well.

The piece was made in Germany at the start of the Thirteenth Century.