Description
This is one of the most fabulous c1900 enamel pendants I have ever come across. Hand-crafted and beautifully unique, it shows painstaking enamel work in all of those beautiful leaves and in the four blue flower heads. Such a quality piece it is most likely one of the English Guilds, with a possible link to the Birmingham A&C scene, as I cannot help but feel the Gaskins’ influence in the piece.
The fanned, scallop-shaped main panel is such an attractive shape and, typically for A&C, it has a fine ropework section running in the centre of the external structure of the piece. This design has been meticulously planned-out and considered, showing the very finest of design skills, as well as those in executing the pendant. Every detail is spaced out meticulously, giving such an even and pleasing aesthetic. There is such upward movement, with the vertical lines of leaves and those flower heads at the top, looking skyward.
I adore the fact that there is a heart-shaped blister pearl, with those fabulous squared retaining teeth and it is definitely more unusual to see the pearl detail integrated into the design of the main panel, rather than suspended below as a drop. There are teeny clusters of three silver balls placed at strategic points, as well as clusters of three with tiny curled tendrils too. There is also a tiny, secret forget-me-not flower placed just above the heart. There are so many references to love and everlasting love here-it is positively singing.
The original, hand-crafted integral bale is decorated with flattened silver balls. The verso is also reminiscent of a scallop /shell outline. The pendant measures approx 5.2cm in height by approx 3.6cm wide. It is in excellent condition. It comes with the antique silver chain, with barrel clasp fastener and the length of that is approx 57cm (22.5 inches).
I shall send the fabulous thing in a new gift box by complimentary Special Delivery within the UK or else by International express courier. Boxes in the images are not included in the sale-thank you.
