Antique Victorian Emerald Mermaid Pendant in 18ct Yellow Gold

A statement 18ct yellow gold, diamond, ruby, emerald, pearl and enamel Renaissance revival mermaid pendant by Reinhold Vasters from the Victorian period. A beautiful mermaid figure, gazing at her reflection in an exquisite portrait, diamond set hand mirror, has been meticulously crafted from yellow gold with an unusual lustrous baroque pearl used to portray her feminine form. Her expressive face, shoulders and arms have been expertly enamelled in crisp white, which conveys a magical ethereal quality. Luxurious flowing hair has been expertly detailed in yellow gold, and is topped by a rich pear cut red ruby kokoshnik tiara. She grasps her powerful detailed tail in one hand, which has been brought to life set with rich green emeralds, and enamelled green and blue scales and fins. Superbly crafted with immaculate attention to detail, the end of her tail is beautifully sculpted with red and green enamelled sections, and features an eye-catching drop section of two green and white enamel set baroque pearls. Her figure is suspended from a statement scroll work plaque that features a central rectangular cut emerald, small rubies, and colourful enamelwork. A handmade delicate chain completes the design, which is composed of intricate, figure of eight links that feature blue enamel decoration and baroque pearls.
The figure of the mermaid has appeared in jewellery and the decorative arts for thousands of years. During the Renaissance period, the mermaid developed into a seductive female creature that had the power to control men’s reason. Reinhold Vasters (1827-1909) was a German goldsmith who specialised in the intricate Renaissance revival style, which was incredibly popular during the 19th century. His works were exhibited at the Great Exhibition in London (1851),