Apart from the filigree crosses shown above, unique to the region, most of the velvet necklaces worn in the valleys of the Pyrenees use Paris-made crosses which were sold throughout France. Their particularity lies in the assemblage of swags of chains, generally centred on an elongated motif. This motif exists in two types; three diamond shapes attached with filigree or a rectangular plaque with cut-off corners. The central diamond plaque of the former is sometimes set with a gemstone or pierced with a star design, while the rectangular plaques are engraved with various motifs – floral, architectural, water fountains and doves. Both types of plaques are illustrated above, while the necklaces which sometimes incorporate these plaques are shown below..
Necklaces from the Ossau valley
necklace from the Ossau valley, gold-plated
necklace from the Ossau valley, gold-plated (close-up)
necklace from the Ossau valley, gold-plated
necklace from the Ossau valley, gold-plated (close-up)
necklace from the Ossau valley, gold-plated
two necklaces from the Ossau valley, gold-plated
click on the image in order to see it in high resolution!
I only have thirteen photos for the time being to illustrate the Aquitaine region, which is quite rich in regional jewellery. Until I manage to obtain and post some more photos, I can thoroughly recommend the book "Bijoux pyrénéens de la vallée d'Ossau" by Maïté Cauhapé. The people of the valleys in Aquitaine are proud of their heritage and traditions and see no benefit to be gained by exposing it to outsiders. I have had trouble getting photos of the jewellery they keep in their families. I respect however their wish to maintain their privacy.
silver belt clip and mother-of-pearl drinking cup "Souvenir de Lourdes"
Woman from the valley d'Ossau in gala costume
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a group of young men and women from the Ossau valley
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French folk costumes from Massat, French pyrenees |
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French folk-dress from the Ossau valley, Pyrenees
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French folk costumes from the Ossau valley, Pyrenees |
French folk dress from the Ossau valley, Aquitaine region
costumes and jewellery from the Pyrenees region of France
French folk-dress from the Ossau valley, Pyrenees
Basque region
Holy Spirit pendant from Bayonne
Holy Sprit pendant from Bayonne in gold filigree and a Rhinestone
The cross called "Saint Esprit filigree" is formed of filigree gold with a very open structure. In the open parts are hung faceted spheres and below are suspended openwork stars.
BIJOUX REGIONAUX ANC
Holy Spirit necklace from Bayonne
IENS - BIJOU REGIONAL
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Holy Spirit necklace, Bayonne, gold
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Saint Esprit de Béarn, or et strass
Basque flowered crosses in gold and in silver, modern
Silver pendant with a basque cross motif
contents:
Bijoux aquitains, bijoux régionaux d'Aquitaine, Bijoux pyrénéens de la vallée d'Ossau par Maité Cauhapé, bijoux des régions de France, bijoux ossalois, collier Saint Esprit de Béarn, French regional jewellery, jewelry, French traditional jewellery, jewelry, French folk-dress, French folk costumes, antique French jewellery, les bijoux de France, les bijoux des Français - antieke zeeuwse streeksieraden in zeeland friesland- Streeksieraden in Zeeland - Brabantse klederdrachten en streeksieraden
Béarn and Basque country
New book - Traditional French Jewellery
Book - Traditional French Jewellery - order here direct from the author
Dear collectors, auctioneers, dealers and jewellery lovers,
You have visited the site www.bijouxregionaux.com which since 2009 has listed all regional and traditional French jewellery, without advertising and without sales. By popular demand, this website is now finally available as a book, much more complete and with many new photos and texts that are not on the site. I traveled more than 4,500 km in 2020 to visit the various collectors and museums of France and to photograph, weigh, measure and examine their jewellery.
Large format of 23.5 x 30 cm, 304 pages, hardcover and fully illustrated with over 1300 jewels in color, this book is the first complete book on French regional jewellery and corrects the many errors and gaps observed in the other references and presents other regional jewels hitherto unknown to the public. You will find eight full pages on Breton pins and fibulae and many other jewels in museums and private collections that are not on this website. Over four months of research has gone into making the chapter on hallmarks the most reliable ever seen - clear illustrations of hallmarks have been made especially for this volume. And for the first time, collectors will have access to a complete list of all the assay office symbols, small signs withn the hallmarks that identify in which city the jewellery was hallmarked. The opening and closing dates since 1798 of the hallmark offices are also listed for the first time, allowing, with the office symbol, to better date your jewellery.
The print run of this book is very limited, which is why I recommend you order early. You will love this book I have had nothing but compliments and many clients have ordered more to offer as gifts.
To order, you can send a wire transfer or WISE transfer to Michael Fieggen - FR76 4061 8803 9700 0403 3233 171 – BIC – BOUSFRPPXXX - address Mike Fieggen, 280 rue Saint Honoré, Paris, 75001 France
Bank or wire transfer by www.wise.com in Sterling – Account holder - Michael Fieggen
IBAN - GB68TSBS30916200184462 BIC / SWIFT - TSBSGB2AXXX
Sterling cheques and PayPal welcome to address demosthenesparis@gmail.com.
Any questions ? Contact me at bijouregional@gmail.com or by telephone at + 33 1 4015 9000
One copy in French €75 Postage and packing €9 for France, €8 for Europe and overseas
Two or more copies in French €75 each Postage and packing €9 for the lot in France, overseas postage €8 each
One or more copies in English £75 sterling each Postage and packing £8 sterling each
