The Austro-Hungarian Empire was created in 1867 out of the Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Hungary. It was to last until 1918. It was the second largest European country after Russia and was an important technological adopter. Increasing industrialization saw a growth in a middle class based in the cities. There was a demand for jewellery and jewelers looked back in history for inspiration. One source of inspiration was the Renaissance and one 16th century artist who was particularly influential was Hans Holbein.
Jewellers produced ornate pieces of jewellery in the form of large pendants covered with enamel, often white enamel decorated with black dots, coloured gemstones and /or paste, and pearls set in gold, silver or silver gilt. Some of these pieces are hallmarked, many are not. The quality can vary a lot.
There were lovely pendants with centrally set gemstones, gem and paste set earrings, chunky bracelets, ornate collars and crosses.
navette jewellery 