Canning Jewel
A Renaissance pendant in which an irregular baroque pearl has become a triton’s muscular torso.
Pendants with baroque pearls were fashionable at Renaissance courts, where goldsmiths let the pearl’s shape decide the figure. The jewel was later owned by Lord Canning, Viceroy of India. It is in the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Materials: Gold, enamel, baroque pearl, rubies, diamonds
Manufacture: The pearl was chosen for its shape and completed with enamelled gold for head, arms and fish tail.
The large uneven pearl forming the figure’s chest and belly.
The enamelled fish tail and the hanging pearls below.