Renaissance gold mounted talismanic turquoise pendant

French, late 16th century.

Measures 3.7 x 2 x 1.4cm.

Weighs 12.8 grams.

Set with fine gold mounts in the form of leaves, the pendant loop modelled as a ring of thorns in reference to the crucified Christ.

Turquoise gained popularity in Europe not only for its beauty but also for its reputed powers. The Italian Medici family famously wore turquoise cameos, believing they would bring good fortune. In Russia, the stone was seen as a symbol of luck, health, and prosperity. In 1636, Barnardus Caesius detailed a wide range of supposed benefits attributed to turquoise, including preserving eyesight, protecting against injury, providing emotional solace, and fostering happiness and prosperity. He even recounted a legend of a particular, strikingly beautiful turquoise stone that “wept” upon its owner’s death, its once-vibrant lustre dimming and remaining obscured for a long time.