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This splendid watch in the form of an onion was created
in Geneva in the 1760s. The lid of the removable case is decorated with
green enamel over a guilloche ground and a diamond applique element in
the centre in the form of a vase of flowers. The gold chain has chased
and engraved decoration and is set with diamonds. A piece of coloured
foil has been placed beneath each large diamond in the centre of the plates
of the chatelaine and on the lid. This method made it possible to increase
the intensity of a gem's colour and gave the whole piece a grander appearance.
Many jewellers used such tricks in the middle of the 18th century.
The watch was kept in the Winter Palace from the 18th century and in the Gallery of Jewellery from the mid-19th. |
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Copyright © 2011 State Hermitage Museum |
