Mid to late 19th century Aurillac holy spirit pendant

This Holy Spirit pendant, dating from around 1850–1870, is a regional jewel from central France, specifically the Auvergne region. Crafted in solid 18k gold, it is set with multicolored pastes and decorated with hand-painted enamel—an iconic example of local Aurillac craftsmanship.

The pendant is shaped like a descending dove with outstretched wings, symbolizing the Holy Spirit. The composition flows dynamically from top to bottom, with three teardrop-shaped drops suspended below, representing the tears of Christ at the Passion. Holy Spirit pendants were traditionally ceremonial gifts—offered at weddings, confirmations, or passed from mother to daughter—blending personal devotion, emotional meaning, and social identity.

Early regional pieces were often more restrained in color, sometimes using red to symbolize the blood of Christ or relying solely on metalwork for ornamentation. In contrast, this piece features a vivid and youthful palette of pink and spring green pastes, accented by multicolored enamel dots. The result is a bold, playful interplay of color and decorative texture that reflects a stylistic shift toward more expressive visual forms.

This approach to color can also be seen in jewelry from northwestern France—particularly Brittany and Normandy—during the same period, especially in pieces known as bagues à la française. Though differing in both origin and form, these works share a similar design philosophy: using vibrant color as a visual centerpiece. This stylistic similarity reflects how regional jewelry was beginning to lose its once-distinct local identity. The expansion of the railway system, the circulation of urban-made jewelry into rural communities, and the impact of global events such as the Universal Expositions all contributed to dissolving the stylistic isolation of rural areas, gradually leading to the decline of independent regional jewelry traditions.

This pendant is in good antique condition, showing normal oxidation and wear consistent with its age. The enamel is well-preserved, with only minor age-related loss. As condition is subjective, please click and enlarge our photos to examine more detailed condition aspects as part of your evaluation.

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