In the 18th century, the ribbon knot naturally found its place in the vocabulary of jewellery. Jean Henri Prosper Pouget, a 17th century jeweller and ornamentalist, published two treatises on jewellery, in 1762 and 1764, which provide a broad overview of 18th century jewellery, in which he listed all the different types of ribbon knots.
The ribbon can be simple, without adornment, like the one reproduced here, but also pearled, vegetal, flowered, adorned with diamonds, with several loops ... the variations are multiple, often complex, and testify to the talent and imagination of jewellers constantly solicited by the nobles and courtiers anxious to appear.
One knot in particular is famous: the "knot of Gilles", created by the goldsmith Gilles Légaré and adopted by the contemporaries of Madame de Sévigné. It consists of a gold or silver brooch in the shape of a ribbon knot with several loops, sometimes with a pendant, pearls or diamonds, worn in the middle of the bodice, hence its nickname "à l'égaré".
Gold plated brass, freshwater pearl
Chain 50 cm, 2 x 3,8 cm
Keep the jewellery away from dust and moisture. Avoid contact with perfume, chemicals and cosmetics; avoid getting the jewellery wet.
