Butterfly aigrette

A large and quite spectacular garnet aigrette, circa 1780. The elaborate powdered wigs of the 18th century created a fashion for fantastic bejewelled hair ornaments. An aigrette was an ornament worn in the hair, or with the addition of a brooch fitting, also worn as a bodice ornament. This aigrette is silver, set with almandine garnets over rose-pink foil in closed back settings. It is in the form of a butterfly landing on a flowering leaf. Such a piece would have shimmered in candlelight. It measures 3 and 1/4 inches by 1 and 1/3 inches. Gorgeous thing.

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Item ref : 6124

18th century designs for aigrettes in the V and A below