GOLD ARCHAEOLOGICAL REVIVAL NECKLACE, ROBERT PHILLIPS, CIRCA 1860

Designed as a band of mesh linking applied with annular flower head motifs, suspending a series of handled amphora-shaped drops, length approximately 410mm, maker's marks, fitted case embossed with the initials M.S.

Cf: Sotheby's Catalogue, Jewels, London, 5th October 2006, Lot 344 for an example of an Archaeological revival style parure by Robert Phillips.

Weighing approximately 47g. Light tarnishing to many of the drops, one drop with amphora handle detached from base, one handle replaced, some denting, in good condition. Fitted case with slight dents to the outside, in very good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Robert Adam Phillips and his brother Magnus Albert Phillips opened a retail jewellers prior to 1839, trading as Phillips Brothers at 31 Cockspur Street, London.  

Robert Phillips was a contemporary and acquaintance to both Fortunato Pio Castellani and Carlo Giuliano and became one of the most prominent and renowned manufacturing jewellers in London working predominantly in the revivalist style. 

He took part in the Paris Exhibition of 1867 showing jewels set with coral imported from Southern Italy and won a gold medal for his range of  jewels inspired by Archaeological finds.  In Victorian England coral jewellery was very popular, in 1870 the King of Naples bestowed a decoration for services to the coral trade, to Robert Phillips. 

He was influenced by Sir Henry Layard's excavations at Nineveh, and was attracted to Assyrian art, some superb examples of Assyrian relief carving survive and can still be seen in the British and Metropolitan museums.

He also designed jewels in Scandinavian taste and often mounted period engraved gems in his jewels. 

By 1851 Robert appears to have been working alone with his son Alfred Phillips, who continued to create designs in his father's style after Robert's death in 1881.  The company ceased to trade in 1902.