This is a silver replica of the famous "Alfred Jewel" currently in the Ashmolean Museum. The inscription is 'Aelfred mec heht gewyrcan' which means 'Alfred ordered me to be made'. The original aestel (made of gold) dates to the late 9th century, but several similar ones have been found; the Anglo-Saxon king sent them to important church members throughout his land. What's an "aestel", you ask? It's a handle for a pointer which you'd use to follow the words on a page. Apparently there are Victorian era souvenir copies kicking around but this one is from the 1930s which is unusual.
thedetails
- Materials
sterling silver, enamel
- Age
Birmingham assay marks for 1934
- Condition
Very good
- Size
2" x 1 1/8"
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Aboutthe
Art DecoEra
1915 — 1940
Motifs like ziggurats and sunbursts, stripped of visual clutter, conveyed the optimism of an increasingly technological world. In jewelry, the predominant use of white metals let colorful gems take center stage. Stones that were opaque and true in color, like lapis lazuli, onyx, jade, coral, and opal were worked into designs alongside more precious and brilliant gems, like diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. Extra-long beaded necklaces and tasseled “sautoirs” followed the narrow flapper silhouette. The baguette cut was an Art Deco innovation, and the decade saw increased use of other angular diamond cuts, like the precise calibré cut and the emerald cut. Synthetic colored gems, specifically ruby and sapphire, were celebrated as a scientific marvel. Marcel Tolkowsky, 21 years old at the time, published the design for the round brilliant cut in 1919.
please note:Terms of Sale
Antiques can be returned unworn and in original condition within 10 days of delivery for an exchange or refund minus the cost of shipping. Once a piece has been altered, including ring re-sizing, it is FINAL SALE.