Sevigne
from the Antique Jewelry University
A sevigne is a brooch type which was popular in the 17th and 18th century and named after the french Marie de Rabutin-Chantal, marquise de Sévigné (1626 - 1696). It was originally a flat ribbon bow which was worn on the bodice near the breast line. Later examples became more elaborate and sometimes had gemstones or pearls dangling from it as in a girandole. The French painter Claude Lefebvre immortalised the marquise wearing such a sevigne which is currently at the Musee Carnavalet, Rue de Sevigne, Paris.
