Description
“Amazingly rare” says it all. The pieces of English c1900 pieces you come across with plique-a-jour like this, you can literally count on one hand. This is the only one of its kind that I have acquired. It is such a pretty design- a very distinctive departure from some of the other designs of the era and yet, some of the same motifs are employed. It is fundamentally a naturalistic piece, with a focus on flowers and leaves, and with various earthy coloured enamels in the large plique-a-jour panels.
I love the overall rounded teardrop shape of the main section, in an open work design with pairs of tooled leaves incorporated into the structure. Three flower heads are set at the top of the design, yellow enamel on the central flower and dark purple to the flowers on either side. Below the central flower is a large flower head, with blue enamel dotted as seeds onto it. The almost circular plique-a-jour enamel section runs across four panels and uses colours which run from the sides to the centre (from blue to brown to green). The plique is in good condition, thankfully.
The two bottom leaves are pierced and we have a set of antique silver chains attached, which culminate in a river pearl drop. I believe the integral chain and barrel clasp are original to the necklace. The pendant measures approx 6.8cm and the chain measures approx 41cm (16.25 inches). The enamel sections are in good condition, with just one teeny tiny yellow flower petal piece and one blue dot on the seed pod being missing. As you can see, not noticeable unless scrutinised with a loupe really.
A gorgeous, delicate pendant necklace of such rare qualities. Wonderful! I shall post in a new gift box by complimentary Special Delivery post within the UK and by courier internationally. Thank you. Boxes in the images are for display only -thank you.
