Description
This is an exquisite, lovingly hand crafted piece of Arts and Crafts jewellery from the c1900 era. It is impressive in design, as it is a complex arrangement of individual elements. Twisted rope silver wire has been used to create some of the links, some in singular circles and some in a quatrefoil design. This has been carefully laboured-over for certain. The level of minute detail is astonishing. There are coral beads and tiny seed pearls integrated into the design, all the way up to the catch on each chain; the sense of balance of the whole necklace is immediately evident.
I see some touches which are used in both the Artifcers’ Guild pieces and in the Gaskins’ work, such as the structure of some of the links and the use of silver balls studding the design in strategic places. However, not enough evidence to attribute this to one designer or another. All I can be sure of is that was a competent designer and a gifted pair of hands. We have everything in this piece and it is incredibly intact, with not a single bead missing. Quite an achievement in itself! It is a festoon, with detailing all the way to the hand-crafted S clasp. There are intricate hand-crafted spacers and festoon chains, all decorated with coral beads and seed pearls.
I particularly love the five drops on the necklace, with the two long side drops being an inspired touch. The quatrefoil plaques near the clasp are different in design to each other, such a lovely touch, and you really get a feel of the designer/craftsperson flexing their muscles in terms of attention to detail. She is in wonderful condition and ready to adorn someone’s neck. If you are looking for an exquisite example of early English Arts and Crafts work-this is for you. She is fabulous and undoubtedly a unique piece.
The drop of the pendant section is approx 6cm and the length of the chain is approx 45cm (17.75 inches). Not a clunky large design, more of a refined and delicately detailed necklace. In excellent condition, as already mentioned.
Please note the boxes in the images are for display only, however, I will send in a necklace presentation box for you. Special delivery within the UK is included, as is international express courier. Thank you.
Ref: dhu
