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
Basque region
Béarn and Basque country
