An exquisite piece from the turn of the century, this French tiepin showcases a whimsical horse head sculpted in coral, poised elegantly on a black enameled yoke. Bridging the gap between the ornate sensibilities of the Late-Victorian period and the refined elegance of the Belle Époque, it reflects a time when equestrian sports were a significant source of inspiration. Antique jewelry object group Equestrian Elegance: An Antique French Coral Horse Head Tiepin Condition in very good condition, though there are slight imperfections on the surface of the black enamel. Country of origin France Style something between the Late-Victorian and Belle Epoque style - Victorian decorative arts refers to the style of decorative arts during the Victorian era. The Victorian era is known for its eclectic revival and interpretation of historic styles and the introduction of cross-cultural influences from the middle east and Asia in furniture, fittings, and Interior decoration. Victorian design is widely viewed as having indulged in a regrettable excess of ornament. And the Belle Époque style (Belle Époque is French for "Beautiful Era") was a period in European social history that began during the late 19th century and lasted until World War I. Occurring during the time of the French Third Republic and the German Empire, the "Belle Époque" was named in retrospect, when it began to be considered a "golden age" the major powers of Europe, new technologies improved lives and the commercial arts adapted Renaissance and eighteenth-century styles to modern forms. In the newly rich United States, emerging from the Panic of 1873, the comparable epoch was dubbed the Gilded Age. In the United Kingdom, this epoch overlaps the end of what is called the Victorian Era there and the period named the Edwardian Era. See also: late-Victorian Style specifics The Late or Aesthetic Victorian Period - Experts divide the reign of Queen Victoria, also called The Victorian era (1837-1901) into three periods of about twenty years each; The Romantic Victorian Period (1837 - 1860), The Grand Victorian Period (1860 - 1880), and the Late or Aesthetic Victorian Period (1880 - 1901). We consider this to be of The Late or Aesthetic Victorian Period. Jewelry of this period is changing back from heavy to more smaller, romantic pieces with often whimsical motifs. Jewelers using diamonds and bright gemstones in elaborated and fine feminine pieces. Period ca. 1900 Source of inspiration equestrian sports Theme Horses - The horse is a universal symbol of freedom without restraint, because riding a horse made people feel they could free themselves from their own bindings. Material 18K yellow gold (touchstone tested) Technique Enamelling is an old and widely-adopted technology. The ancient Egyptians applied enamels to pottery and stone objects. The ancient Greeks, Celts, Russians, and Chinese also used enameling processes on metal objects. Enamel is the colorful result of fusing powdered glass to a substrate by firing, usually between 750 and 850 degrees Celsius. The powder melts and flows and hardens to a smooth, durable vitreous coating on metal, glass or ceramic. According to some sources, the word enamel comes from the High German word smelzan (to smelt) via the Old French esmail. Used as a noun, "an enamel" is a usually small decorative object, coated with enamel coating, such as a champlevé or a cloisonné (different techniques). Precious stones One coral horse head Hallmarks The French control mark for 18K gold representing an eagle's head that was in use in France from about 1838. Dimensions top 0,88 cm (0,35 inch) x 1,48 cm (0,58 inch), total length 7,53 cm (2,96 inch) Weight 2,90 gram (1,86 dwt) Adin Reference Nº 24057-0275 - Accompanied by a professional report of authenticity for your peace of mind. - Shipped insured and registered for your security, though you're most welcome to collect in person. - For shipments outside the EU, import duties and other charges may apply. We advise checking this in advance. - We invite you to browse through our customer feedback to discover the level of satisfaction we consistently provide. - See more of our products, visit: https://auction.catawiki.com/lotsfrom/Adin - Antique and vintage jewellery often undergoes thoughtful refurbishment, remodelling, or repairs to enhance its longevity and wearability. Such pieces frequently bear marks of this tender care. Furthermore, we present our antique and vintage jewellery in its authentic state, refraining from removing scratches or applying rhodium plating to white gold items. Our priority is to preserve the genuine allure and history of each piece. However, as the new owner, you have the option to take it to a local goldsmith for a cosmetic refresh, should you choose.