Jewelry has existed in all times and emblematic moments of history. Each one has been marked by particular characteristics; however, one of the most representative periods of this one, without a doubt was the Renaissance age. This cultural movement that began in the Modern Age, was commissioned to reinvent, taking the principles of classical antiquity but adapting it, without resigning the Christian religious tradition, replacing its omnipresence by an increase and affirmation of the values of the human being and the world. Therefore, today you will know the valuable Renaissance jewels.
The Renaissance emerged in Italy in the fourteenth century and spread throughout the rest of the world, reaching its climax at the beginning of the sixteenth century. During a period of 50 years ranging from 1520 to 1570, this movement was fully developed. Especially in Western Europe the movement of arts and letters arises. The great masters no longer arise only in Italy, but throughout the territory of the Western monarchies.
The jewelry during this period was presented as a range of techniques, gems, metals and color, which was shown as a compliment to nature, thanks to the extraordinary beauty that characterizes these pieces. Likewise, the design acquired a sculptural character and incorporated elements of architecture, although on a small scale. Even clothes that were worn during that time, which varied between velvet and silk, were decorated with pearls and fine stones, which turned them into works of art and evidenced the union between the major and decorative arts.
For decoration, jewelry was used in the elaboration of pieces such as brooches and pendants. The ornaments were animals of mythological origin such as mermaids, centaurs, animals with several heads, among others. It could be said that there was a strong influence of the art of Prehispanic cultures and Greek mythology.
One of the emblematic pieces of this period were the pendants of sculptural type, called pijantes in which irregular or baroque pearls were combined together with enamels and precious stones. In the same way cameos were fashionable, which were oval-shaped jewels on which a figure had been carved in relief, mounted on a brooch or pendant. Cameos were carved on hard stones, and the most common were agate, jasper and in less quantity, onyx and lapis lazuli.
As a curious fact, it was around this time when Spain became a jeweler center, thanks to the abundance of gold, silver and precious stones, brought from the American colonies.
Finally, pieces for the hair were also made such as diadems made in gold, of great beauty and technically of great mastery, with stones set. It is necessary to emphasize that crosses and medals of the Middle Age remained, whether they were small or heavy; well worked, combining gold with fine stones and enamels.
ALFA