Born in the French town of Digne-les Bains on June 13th, 1823, innovative goldsmith Antoine Colomb quickly made a name for himself for his unique usage of his native town's ancient resource in his jewelry. Since the 17th century, Digne-les Bains has been known as the source of a unique type of fossil called the Star of Saint-Vincent, which is the star-shaped stem segments of an extinct genus of crinoid called Pentacrinites. Antoine Colomb, or possibly his father Jean-Pierre Colomb, began using these fossils under the name "Étoile Des Alps" as the central motif in his jewelry in the early to mid 19th century, a style that exploded in popularity through the late 19th century and has continued to be popular in the area to present day. Colomb was trained under his father, as credited in his company name Colomb Fils (Son of Colomb), and expanded his company to employ over a dozen metalsmith to begin selling his work across France and the world.
A fantastic Étoile Des Alps bracelet and earring set crafted by French maker Antoine Colomb in the Victorian (ca1870) era! This fabulous set is comprised of a beautiful silver and star-shaped fossil bangle bracelet and a pair of matching screw back earrings. The stars are natural, unaltered fossils set in traced silver bezels. The bracelet is comprised of 10 total stars that are held within a simple silver frame, with five on each side separated by sections of intricate etchings around the clasp and hinge. Each star is framed with delicate beadwork and alternates position to give the look of a starry sky. The bracelet is hinged and fastens together at the side with a silver push clasp, which has a safety chain for extra security. The clasp is stamped with two French silver crab marks. The matching earrings are smaller star fossils in matching settings, which have the original silver screw backs attached to the back. Both the earrings and the bracelet come in the original deep red velvet Colomb Fils box, which is labeled "ÉTOILE DES ALPES, COLOMB FILS, DIGNE". An outstanding piece, this gorgeous jewelry set has a fun and attractive look and would make a fantastic addition to any collection!
Measurements: The bracelet measures 5/8" wide, 1/8" thick, and has an inner circumference of 7", meaning it would fit an average sized wrist. The stud earrings measure approximately 3/8" in diameter.
Condition: The overall condition of the earrings is excellent. Aside from normal surface wear, there is no apparent damage to the fossils or silver, and the screw backs are both intact and in good working condition. The bracelet's push clasp is secure and in good working condition, and the safety chain is intact.
