Mystery star...found to be Sardinian

A digital archive showcasing the extensive collection of jewellery and adornment images shared on the former Ethnic Jewels Ning site over the years. These images have significantly enriched discussions on cultural adornment and its global dispersion.

Mystery star...found to be Sardinian

Posted by Betty on April 19, 2016 at 5:25pm

This mysterious filigree ornament consists star with two button-shaped pendants adorned with two red and one green glass stones as well as a coral bead. Dimension of the star ca. 4.5cm. The beads are 1.8cm in diameter. I believe this strange ornament was sourced in Turkey. The chain quite short (34cm) and has an unusual hook closure. It somehow reminds me of a military decoration... Any ideas? More pictures below.

Comments

Betty April 19, 2016 at 5:31pm
Betty April 19, 2016 at 5:32pm
Peter Hoesli April 20, 2016 at 3:11am

Dear Betty; This is a very very beautiful jewel Betty. When looking at it the first time, it also reminded me of a military medal but it is not. To me, it looks very Turkish - one of a kind - manufactured to order for an extravagant lady. However, Jean-Marie is the specialist when it comes to Turkish/Ottoman jewelry here. I am sure that he can shed light into this, in my view most extraordinary, jewel. I have just booked my flight for my vacation in June. I will be home (my recently acquired home is under renovation and two 18th and 19th century museum ovens are currently being installed (one in the dining and one in the living room), which I have to see live! However, I have allowed myself a stopover of two days in Istanbul! Oh, I can't wait to spend a day (or two...) in the Grand Bazaar and surrounding areas (I have seen the museums during previous visit, hence, can skip those and concentrate on the essential! Congratulation on this beautiful jewel Betty! With kind regards. Peter
Thelma April 20, 2016 at 9:51am

Betty, I agree with Peter. This is a very beautiful necklace and very wearable. And from the patina, it looks old as well. A desirable piece.
Betty April 20, 2016 at 11:34am

Thank you Thelma and Peter.

It looks lovely when worn. I also believe it is a piece that was especially made for the person who ordered it or received it as a gift,perhaps. Last night I had a look at my Armenian belt buckle from Mardin and on comparison the workmanship is very similar...
Betty April 20, 2016 at 6:54pm

I have just got some additional info from the previous owner today. He actually purchased it along with a number of antique Ottoman-Turkish items from a lady with Hungarian ancestors. I remember seeing some some of the other items from this lot such as a travel writing set etc... However, it doesn't really help much with the provenience of this beauty.
Jean-Marie Criel April 20, 2016 at 11:53pm

Hello Betty, I'm afraid I can't add much to the discussion. The work looks Ottoman to me (ca. 1850-1900), and the star and beads show definitely an urban style/fashion. However, its general design is peculiar, and I don't remember seeing anything (even remotely) similar ever. So, the search stays open... With kind regards, JM.
Betty April 21, 2016 at 1:31pm

Dear Jean-Marie, thanks a lot for your comment. It's helpful to know that you would also place it within the Ottoman world. I agree that it must be an urban style - maybe, as Peter suggested, made to order. I just fell in love with it immediately... maybe I can find out more one day. Best regards, Betty
Betty April 22, 2016 at 4:29pm

I am not a 100% sure, but I think I found its origin in a quite different corner... it might be made up of components of an old Sardinian Rosary and other traditional Sardinian jewelry elements:
Peter Hoesli April 23, 2016 at 7:58am

Dear Betty; WOW, this is great news. I must say these rosaries look absolutely gorgeous! With kind regards. Peter

Gallery

Mystery star...found to be Sardinian

Comments

Request your copy of our newsletter.