Mittelalterlich Aufwendig verzierte silberne Filigranzierde (Ohne mindestpreis)

Elaborate Silver Filigree Adornment

This beautiful silver pendant has a circular frame filled with coiled wire filigree arranged in radiating spirals. The outer rim is bordered with fine beaded wire, and a suspension loop is affixed at the top.
Dimensions: 7 cm x 7 cm x 0,5 cm
Provenance: Private European Collection; formerly acquired from old UK and European collection formed since the 1970s.


In the shadow of the 14th century, your social standing was written in the metal you wore. If you walked the cobbled streets of a medieval trade hub, the sunlight might catch the glint of gold and precious gems pinned to a nobleman’s cloak, while a laborer passing by would likely be adorned in nothing more than humble tin or copper.

By the 1300s, however, a new era of prosperity swept through the cities of the Hanseatic League. This wealth birthed a rising class of elite townspeople and patricians who favored silver as their hallmark of success. Their jewelry wasn't just for show; it was a part of their daily identity, often gilded to mimic the appearance of solid gold.

The Life of an Ornament
These pieces of finery often tell a story of a life lived in constant, proud use. On many surviving items, the gold plating remains brilliant in the crevices but is worn thin on the surfaces, revealing the silver beneath—a silent testament to years of being handled, polished, and worn.

Fashion in this era was also remarkably resourceful. Owners didn't simply discard their treasures when trends shifted; they adapted them. A simple, circular silver bead might be cleverly transformed: by plugging one hole with a tiny decorative grain and adding a sewing loop to the other, it became a functional, high-status button.

The Fashion of the Tight Sleeve
This transition to buttons was born of necessity. During the 1300s, a revolution in tailoring swept through Europe. The loose, flowing robes of the past were being replaced by narrow, form-fitting sleeves. To achieve this sleek, modern silhouette, one needed a row of sturdy fasteners.

Silver buttons thus became the ultimate "status symbol of utility"—a perfect blend of essential hardware and conspicuous wealth that defined the high-society wardrobe of the age.


Disclaimer:
NO SHIPPING OUTSIDE of THE EUROPEAN UNION.
All items will be shipped from Belgium.
The seller guarantees and can prove that the object was obtained legally.
The seller was informed by Catawiki that they had to provide the documentation required by the laws and regulations in their country of residence.
The seller guarantees and is entitled to sell/export this object.
The seller will provide all provenance information known about the object to the buyer.
The seller ensures that any necessary permits are/will be arranged.
The seller will inform the buyer immediately about any delays in obtaining such permits.
The seller will not ship outside the EU.


Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller . No further tests, such as an analysis of metals(XRF-test) have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.