FINE JEWELLERY, WATCHES, SILVER & COINS 23rd October 2024 at 12pm

6 Amulets and talisman have long been believed to be a capsule protecting the wearer from evil spirits. In ancient Egypt, emeralds were believed to treat eye diseases, as well as symbolising rebir th and fer tility. The German Medieval philosopher and Saint, Alber tus Magnus (c. 1200-1280) in his book, ‘Book of Secrets’ about the ‘vir tues of herbs, stones…’. Where he wrote that wearing diamonds on the left side of the body could protect the wearer from wild beasts and madness. And that as a protection for the body, sapphire could be worn, protecting the limbs of the wearer. As there was no cure for most ailments and illnesses at the time, an obsession with death and the macabre imagery surrounding it ensued. By the 17th century, these same symbols were no longer a metaphor for mor tality but rather as a commemoration of deceased loved ones. Popularized after the execution of Charles I in 1649, his followers wore rings and lockets with miniatures of his por trait The use of hair in memorial jewellery became ever more prominent. Weaved into the back of brooches and rings, sometimes in ornate patterns. Forever more encapsulating the deceased, acting almost as a shrine of sor ts for the loved ones who wore them. In the 18th century the depictions became more allegorical, scenes of neo-classical figures on ivory or enamel backing sometimes composed of bits of hair from the depar ted loved ones. They centred Romantic motifs of anchors, inter twined hear ts, obelisks, and urns. Recognisable from the ornate and intricate metal work, by the skilled goldsmiths of the time.They were signs of respect for the dead and reminded the death obsessed living of their own fate. Brooches were often pinned close to the hear t of the mourner. A beautifully preserved example of an antique Georgian mourning brooch is lot 212. GEORGIAN MEMORIAL JEWELLERY LIVE AUCTION OF FINE JEWELLERY, WATCHES, SILVER & COINS • WEDNESDAY, 23rd OCTOBER 2024 AT 12PM