Brooch In Blood Jasper Gold, Diamonds And Pearls, Napoleon III.

This gold brooch from the Napoleon III period is mounted on the edge of a row of ten amethysts in a slightly trapezoidal shape, in the center is a pearl surrounded by four rose-cut diamonds and resting on an oval bloodstone medallion set with a golden frieze. The pin is made of steel. Full of poetry, ancient jewelry is rich in symbolism and bloodstone and amethyst evoke many images of the past, which often date back to antiquity. The heliotrope or blood jasper, is also called blood stone, it has the reputation of bringing courage and vitality to whoever wears it. Green in color it is studded with a myriad of small bright red dots. In Antiquity it was believed that it could trigger storms under certain conditions, in the Middle Ages some thought that the red spots were the blood of Christ, the blood of Jesus which would have fallen at the foot of the cross on jaspers. Others imagined that it made invisible. Today it seems to cure many ailments, but we prefer to remember that it is the gem of the heroes to whom it brings courage and bravery. Symbol of humility and wisdom, amethyst is reputed to protect against drunkenness. This virtue is taken from mythology: Bacchus was very insistent with the pretty nymph Amethyst, the latter took fright and called on Diana who to save her from Bacchus transformed her into crystal, the latter furious that she escaped him poured his cup of wine on the crystal which immediately took on the color violet, suddenly sobered up he gave it the power to preserve those who would wear it from drunkenness. Napoleon III period. Gross weight 12 grams. Dimensions 3.6cm x 3cm.