#berlin iron

[thejewellerybox]

Berlin Iron signet ring with cast of faithful dog and band of laurel leaves, c. 1810s

'Historic signet ring of Berlin iron, engraved with the symbol of fidelity and loyalty, a loyal dog lifting his paw and looking upwards at his human. The band is carved of laurel leaves. Laurel leaves are a neoclassical motif which were a symbol triumph and prosperity in ancient Greece and Rome.

Berlin Iron jewelry, made from iron from the Berlin Iron Works carefully and delicately lacquered in black, achieved popularity during the the Napoleonic wars when German women patriotically gave up their precious gold jewelry for the war effort. They were given Berlin iron jewelry in return, which is rare and has become a collector's item. Berlin iron from the earlier days of the Napoleonic war, 1810-1820, tended toward neoclassical designs while later Berlin iron jewelry (the company continued to make the jewelry into the 1840's) tended towards the Gothic.' X

[blondebrainpowered]

A necklace of lacquered wrought iron made in early-19th-century Germany is part of a suite called Berlin Iron.

The production of iron jewellery reached its peak between 1813 and 1815, when the Prussian royal family urged all citizens to contribute their gold and silver jewellery towards funding the uprising against Napoleon during the War of Liberation. In return the people were given iron jewellery such as brooches and finger rings, often with the inscription Gold gab ich für Eisen (I gave gold for iron), or Für das Wohl des Vaterlands (For the welfare of our country / fatherland), or with a portrait of Frederick William III of Prussia on the back. Until then iron jewellery had only been worn as a symbol of mourning (because of its black colour acquired by treating the castings with linseed cakes) and was worth too little to be alluring, but suddenly it became a symbol of patriotism and loyalty and with its obvious aesthetic appeal, became popular overnight.

[tiaramania]

Sotheby’s Auction

Sotheby’s Fine Jewels auction on September 8th will feature four tiaras.

Silver Myrtle Tiara - estimate 800 - 1,200 GBP

Berlin Iron Haircomb - estimate 1,500 - 2,000 GBP

Emerald, Sapphire, & Pink Sapphire Bandeau by Arthur and Georgie Gaskin - estimate 4,000 - 6,000 GBP

Diamond Necklace Tiara - estimate 24,000 - 30,000 GBP

[thejewellerybox]

Mourning tiara of Berlin iron, 1810

[yearsafteretsy]

Antique GEORGIAN Berlin IRON Silesian Wirework Bracelet, Cut STEEL Bead Filigree Medallion Center, Rare Early Victorian Jewelry c.1830's

[daughterofchaos]

Berlin Iron Bracelet, c.1820, via Glorious Antique Jewelry on 1stdibs.com

[ewasleziona]

"Rare and highly prized, Berlin iron jewelry was initially fabricated in the last years of the 18th and early years of the 19th century. To boost the reserves and support Prussian war of liberation against Napoleon, citizens were asked to donate their gold, silver and precious gems. In return they received jewelry cast in iron, polished and lacquered to a matte black finish. Extraordinary pieces of delicate intricate open work forms were created using a plebian material... read more

Source (photo & text): Superlative Berlin Iron Bracelet - The Three Graces