A rare and highly decorative 19th-century Ottoman jewellery set comprising a brooch and matching earrings, richly detailed with enamel, coral beads, crescent-and-star motifs, and suspended coin-style charms.
The crescent and star had a long association with the Ottoman world and became one of its most recognisable visual symbols during the 19th century. Here, the motif is treated almost architecturally: the enamelled crescent is framed by coral beads, while the star rises above it, creating a striking and immediately recognisable Ottoman silhouette.
The small dangling discs are designed in the style of Ottoman coins, with Arabic-script inscriptions arranged in horizontal bands. Coin imagery and coin-like pendants were frequently incorporated into jewellery, where they added movement, sound and a strong sense of regional identity.
The use of coral is another important feature. Coral was highly valued in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern jewellery, appreciated for its rich red colour and decorative contrast against gilt metal and enamel. In this set, the irregular coral beads soften the strong geometry of the crescent and star while adding texture and colour.
The enamel decoration combines black, turquoise blue, white and red tones, giving the pieces a particularly vivid appearance while retaining the delicacy associated with 19th-century hand-finished jewellery.
The earrings have been converted to clip fittings at a later date, allowing the antique elements to continue being worn.
A fascinating surviving example of 19th-century Ottoman jewellery, combining symbolism, colour and movement in a remarkably distinctive demi-parure.
****Earrings appear to have been later converted to clip fittings.***
Condition: Good Vintage Condition with some wear in general ; one earrings is missing a disc ( it's almost 200 years old!)
Dimension: Brooch : 4.6 x 5.2cm ; 4.2 x 2.5cm
*There is no bible for every single vintage item. The era and origin are judged by experienced vintage dealers with their expertise and experience. We do not hold any responsibility upon inaccurate estimation. Thanks for your understanding.:)
