It has become more and more difficult to find a pristine, demi-parure in an early box of this caliber. A demi-parure is a period term meaning a small suite of jewelry, in this case, a pair of earrings and matching necklace. Stylistically, this set is aligned with the Empire style, made popular by Josephine Bonaparte, who favored her clothing and accessories to reference ancient Rome and Greece. Taking the form of a laurel garland, once a symbol of triumph, this set would have appealed to a fashionable and confident early 19 th century woman. Of special note, Emily points out the beautifully graduated, foiled garnets that feel almost leathery on the neck. Symbolizing friendship, and love, garnets were very popular in England where there was a range of styles and techniques for a varied, jewelry-wearing market. This suite demonstrates very high craftsmanship, an indication that it would have been made for a stylish lady of the aristocracy or Ton. England, ca 1810
