Remarkable Antique Prarure

The Story & History

A remarkable antique parureParure refers to a matching suite of jewellery designed to be worn together. A complete parure traditionally consists of several coordinated pieces, such as a necklace, earrings, brooch and bracelet,... More of coral, garnet, cultured pearl, 18kt gold and gilded metal, associated with the Countess du Durat. An extraordinary and highly unusual suite comprising three tiaras, a necklace, a pair of ear pendants, a pair of ear clips and two bracelets.

The parure is particularly evocative for its aristocratic association and the extraordinary breadth of the suite. The Comtesses de Durat belonged to a lineage whose history extended through one of the most turbulent periods of French history, navigating the upheavals of the French Revolution before re-establishing their position within aristocratic society during the Napoleonic era.

The family also had a Caribbean branch connected with French colonial administration in territories including Grenada and Saint Martin, while members of the family in mainland France maintained important estates and family residences. Among the women associated with the lineage were Jeanne-Caroline de Patouillet de Deservillers and Marie Marguerite Henriette de Durat, figures remembered in regional records for their cultivation and erudition.

Design & Details

The suite is exceptionally varied, combining faceted coral beads, garnets, pearls, 18kt yellow gold and gilded metal in a richly coordinated group.

Two of the tiaras are constructed in openworkOpenwork refers to a jewellery-making technique in which areas of metal are deliberately pierced, cut away or constructed with spaces between the elements, creating an open or lace-like appearance. It... More gilded metal, decorated with faceted coral beads. The coral displays some minor imperfections, consistent with its age and natural material.

The necklace is composed of yellow-gold medallions set with faceted garnets in closed settings, each surrounded by pearls and mounted against a gilded-metal wire framework. The combination of deep red garnets, warm gold and luminous pearls gives the necklace a particularly rich appearance.

A further tiara, together with its matching earrings and clips, completes the principal suite. Two additional bracelets are formed from twisted seed pearls, each secured with a clasp decorated with garnets.

The breadth of the parure is remarkable, comprising:

• Three tiaras
• One necklace
• One pair of ear pendants
• One pair of ear clips
• Two pearl bracelets with garnet-set clasps

Styling & Wearability

A parure of extraordinary presence, intended to be worn as a complete ensemble for the most formal occasions. The variety of pieces allows the suite to be styled in numerous combinations, from a full ceremonial presentation to individual jewels worn separately.

Its aristocratic association, unusual combination of materials and sheer completeness make it particularly compelling for collectors of historic European jewellery and aristocratic jewels.