Collier, deel van een demi-parure c. 1824 - 1838

This necklace, part of a demi-parure, was crafted by Guillaume Louis Ploem, born in 1786. Ploem lived during an era when jewelry was not merely adornment, but a declaration of status and adherence to social norms. Consider the symbolism embedded in this gold necklace; its circular form embodies unity and infinity. The use of gold, a material often associated with wealth and power, signifies the wearer's elevated position within the social hierarchy. This piece invites questions about who had access to such luxury items, and how these material possessions reinforced social stratification. Imagine the weight and feel of this necklace against your skin. How might wearing it change one’s posture, one’s very comportment? This isn't simply about beauty, but about the intricate dance between identity, material culture, and societal expectations. This piece serves as a potent reminder of how fashion, even in its most delicate form, can reflect and shape the complex narratives of class and gender.