Reviving the Stone

This stunning brooch and earrings set features emeralds and pearls set in gold with black enamel decorative details. Matching jewelry pieces—sometimes including necklaces and other pieces, but most often brooches and earrings—were extremely popular in the 1800s. Throughout the period many areas of design, from architecture to decorative arts such as jewelry, drew inspiration from the past. This set, which dates to the third quarter of the 19th century, is an example of the popular Renaissance Revival style. The use of enamel, the circular design and the pendants are borrowed directly from 16th-century jewelry designs. The ensemble was a gift of past Curator General Rolfe Towle Teague.