Emblems d’Amour Pendant

Charming ‘emblems d’amour’ circular diamond pendant c.1890.

The openwork design features the attributes of Cupid, a quiver of arrows and a flaming torch (the torch of Hymen) studded with old-cut and rose-cut diamonds and set in silver. Most stones are foiled and closed back with a number open-set.

1 inch diameter.

Gold pendant bale.

These attributes symbolize the volatile nature of love.

The quiver and arrows represent the sudden, "strike" of love, often described as a ‘coup de foudre’ , the lightning strike or love at first sight. The torch represents the burning passion of love.

He uses the torch to enflame victims, a tool associated with his role as a mischievous agent of desire.