Jewellery Box
Made in the 3rd quarter of the 19th century. The jewellery box was made using different techniques, the most common being filigree; base metal, gilded electrolytically. The jewellery box is decorated with collected precious stones, especially gems, as well as almandines and several smaller Bohemian garnets.
“Gems” in this context refer to carved stones three- dimensionally representing a variety of themes. If these carvings are made negatively into a smo- oth, pre-polished surface, they are called “intaglios”. In the past, such carved stones were used as seals. However, if the carving is made in the form of relief (positively protruding “from the stone”), it is called “cameo”. The legs of the jewellery box are decorated with amber from Baltic deposits.
Handbag decorated with Bohemian garnets
Made at the turn of the 20th century. The hand- bag is decorated with goldwork embroidery using Bohemian garnets. Goldwork uses a metal thread wrapped by a wire of gold colour (Ger. Goldfaden) used for orphrey, i.e. fabric embroidery. This tech- nique was primarily used in the Baroque period in convents.