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View the masterpieces of this collection Panoramic view of Hall 1 of the Diamond Rooms The Hermitage collection includes rare examples of works of jewellery produced by European craftsmen in the 16th and 17th centuries. The majority of them are pendants that were used not only as adornments and additions to clothing, but also as amulets. Typically such pieces include the use of bright enamels, irregularly-shaped "baroque" pearls and precious stones of various colours mounted quite deep in their settings. For the most part they were cut in the form of a step or a cabochon. One common motif from this period is the pendant in the form of a caravel (sailing ship), reflecting interests in the age of great geographical discoveries. A pride of the Hermitage collection is a caravel pendant incorporating a magnificent Columbian emerald complemented by gold and enamel. It was made by Spanish craftsmen in the late 16th century. Another pendant dating from the same period belonged to the great English seaman Sir Francis Drake. Its base is a piece of rose quartz, while the gold mount is engraved with the name of the owner and the date: 1590. Baroque pearls were most popular in the 16th century. A special section of the collection is made up of cups and goblets of decorative stones in gold mounts embellished with precious stones and enamels. These were created by the craftsmen of Germany and Italy in the 17th century. Pieces of this kind were mainly used as diplomatic gifts or for the decoration of palace state rooms. |
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