A woven seed pearl and amethyst suite, first half of 19th century, comprising a necklace, bracelet and brooch, the necklace with three oval openwork cluster panels, each centred with a oval mixed-cut foiled back pinched collet set amethyst, linked by festoons of woven seed pearls, to a rectangular clasp set with half pearls, with bracelet and brooch ensuite, some damage and repairs, necklace length 47cm. £600-800

These pieces are composed of pierced fretwork mother o’ pearl panels supporting woven seed pearls, with sections of lacy festoons between, originally being woven with horse hair; consequently this type of jewellery is rather delicate and easily damaged.

For illustrations of similar pieces dated to 1810-1815 see Shirley Bury, Jewellery: The International Era 1789-1910, Vol 1: 1789-1861, Antique Collectors Club, plates 67 and 68.