Hobbies Collecting Antiques

What Is a Demi-Parure in Jewelry?

1960s Costume Jewelry Demi-Parure
Jay B. Siegel for ChicAntiques.com

Demi-parure are pieces of matching jewelry that are designed to be worn together, though fewer than a full set or parure. The term dates from the second half of the 16th century. Traditionally, when a parure involved six or seven pieces, a demi-parure was a three-piece suite of (usually) a necklace, earrings, and a brooch or bracelet; however, in the early 20th century, the term "parure" began to refer to just a trio of coordinating items, and a demi-parure was similarly downscaled to refer to any two matching pieces.

Pronunciation: dem-ee pah-rur

Also known as: suite

Example: Amanda felt like a queen decked out in her antique Victorian garnet demi-parure, consisting of a choker and dangling earrings.