19 th. C. Venetian Cherub Portrait Necklace with Sleeping Beauty Turquoise and Mother of Pearl

Exquisitely handcrafted in Jill Garber’s USA studio, this one-of-a-kind necklace centers on a large antique 19th-century French hand-painted porcelain depicting a cherub tenderly cradling a basket of pink roses. Cherubs—innocent, winged children celebrated in religious texts and classical art—symbolize divine love, protection, and celestial grace. From Renaissance frescoes to Rococo porcelain, these enchanting figures have long inspired artists, embodying spiritual purity, playful innocence, and timeless elegance.

Below the porcelain centerpiece, a 30 x 22 mm high-domed natural mother-of-pearl cabochon forms a graceful festoon drop. Four 25 x 18 mm high-domed mother-of-pearl ovals connect to create a “squash blossom” motif, each accented with round natural Sleeping Beauty turquoise cabochons set within exquisitely patterned silver frames. The overall length of the necklace is 20 inches with a 4-inch drop, draping elegantly across the décolleté.

Every detail reflects Jill Garber’s mastery of integrating historical symbolism, luxurious materials, and artistic storytelling, transforming rare objects into timeless wearable art.

• Antique 2.88 x 2.13 inch 19th-century French hand-painted porcelain with cherub

• One 30 x 22 mm high-domed natural mother-of-pearl cabochon

• Four 25 x 18 mm high-domed mother-of-pearl oval cabochons

• Two 12 mm and two 10 mm natural Sleeping Beauty turquoise cabochons

• Overall length 20 inches with 4-inch drop

• Handcrafted in sterling silver with rich patina in Jill Garber’s USA studio

*  Cherubs, or cherubim, are angelic figures traditionally depicted as innocent, winged children, often embodying divine love, protection, and heavenly grace. Originating in ancient religious texts, they have held a prominent role in Christian, Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo art, appearing in paintings, sculptures, frescoes, and decorative objects as symbols of spiritual purity, joy, and the presence of the divine. In classical design, cherubs are frequently associated with romance, playful innocence, and celestial beauty, making them enduring motifs in fine jewelry, porcelain, and decorative arts. Their charming and uplifting imagery has inspired artists for centuries, bridging religious symbolism and aesthetic elegance, and continues to captivate collectors and admirers of historically informed, luxurious design.