French multi colored paste pendant

A special and multi colored paste pendant made in France c.1860-1880s. The main stones are foiled back citrine pastes.  Foiling is a method of enhancing gemstones in some of the  most arresting jewelry since Georgian era. While the most precious stones could be set with open backs, others would put in closed settings with a silver of foil (in this case the foil is orange ) which brightened the stones and intensified the color of gemstones. The special orange and light yellow hue of stones is typical to see in French antique jewelry since 18th century, it is also called “oil and vinegar” color due to the iconic color combination. 
The asymmetrical pendant is hand made, decorated with marcasites, fuchsia and light green pastes around the main stones. The contrast of colors makes this pendant a bold statement piece.