Pendant - Bulgaria - Gallery - Adorned Histories

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.

Pendant - Bulgaria

Posted by Peter Hoesli on February 12, 2015 at 5:07pm

This pendant is beautiful. Special note must be made for the crown with cross at the top and the stamped (it looks to me also like a crown) diamond shape feature at the bottom.

Comments

Betty February 12, 2015 at 10:27pm

I love this Peter! Could the crown-shaped stamp be a hallmark?
Peter Hoesli February 12, 2015 at 11:17pm

Dear Betty; Many thanks for your message. This is indeed a special pendant. I have seen many before, some even with solid gold coins, but none had this fine and special workmanship. Even if you compare it with the other pendant, which I have posted as well, it stands out. The crown at the top crown is already very special but I was surprised to see a stamp at the bottom of the piece. Yes, it has all ingredients for a hallmark. I will investigate this matter further. I must say that most Bulgarian dealers look at the coins rather than the piece itself. It does not mean that the coins in the units are the original ones, anyone can change them. With kind regards. Peter
Frankie Carter February 13, 2015 at 4:22pm

Indeed it is a special one and the crown makes it so much more interesting. Possibly it does indicate a type of sovereignty.

I have a similar one somewhere if only I can find it!
Frankie Carter February 13, 2015 at 4:50pm

Here is my own more modest example.
Betty February 13, 2015 at 4:59pm

Not soo modest, Frankie :-). I very much like your pendant too! Do you know if they were worn on a chain or probably part of some larger parure?
Peter Hoesli February 13, 2015 at 5:01pm

Dear Frankie; very nice - thanks for posting. When I was a child, similar but much more simple pendants were also common in Switzerland. We would use of course the Swiss "Vrenely-20" or the French "Napoleon" gold coins. Nowadays they are completely out of fashion. Anyhow, it was a nice tradition. With kind regards. Peter
Frankie Carter February 13, 2015 at 7:41pm

Thanks for the information, Peter. Sad when these traditions die.

Betty, that`s a very relevant question to which I don`t know the answer, I`m afraid. I`ll try to chase it up.

For personal use I prefer the simplicity of a gold chain. The pendant itself is silver gilt.