This is a fabulous c1900 British Arts and Crafts festoon necklace with the most intricately crafted plaques with moonstone drops that are graduated in size. The largest is at the centre of the design. It is certainly an impressive piece of work with those distinctive leaf forms and is possibly by one of the designers in the Guilds. The decorative details point towards Birmingham in more ways than one, although I had a very similar Scottish piece in the past…hence, no attribution at this point. A hand crafted masterpiece with the effort and skill of the craftsperson being evident to see.
The organic leaf motifs form the structure of each plaque and they are also used to join the plaques together. Festoon chains are used to double the linking. I love the way there are tiny silver spacers throughout the chain to the toggle clasp, as it gives the double chains a further festoon effect. The detailing is super, with fine rope twist beading at the foot of the bezel settings and then a typical A&C motif is used four times around the moonstones, to give the illusion of a flower head. Three sets of draped stylised leaves are used on either side of each plaque as structure and strength. Individual and clusters of silver berries are set among the leaves. A tiny ropework twisted link suspends the smaller moonstones from the main plaques. You can see the dotting of tiny silver balls either side of the links, in typical A&C style.
It is a beauty of a necklace delightfully set with moonstones and to find all of the original stones still intact is nothing short of a miracle, especially as the drops are so detailed and so tiny. One or two of the plaque moonstones are a touch discoloured from beneath-typical for her age. In pleasing condition, you can see evidence of a few repairs to the silver in the past (if you scrutinise the verso) but nothing to see from the front. Just a gorgeous necklace, so typical of the Arts and Crafts movement of the era.
It even retains its original twisted ropework toggle and catch. The central drop measures approx 3.4cm and the length of the chain is approx 42cm (16.5 inches). It has just returned from being cleaned at the jewellers so is ready to wear or else to gift 🙂
I shall send in a new gift box as the box in the images is for display only. Complimentary special delivery within the UK or else express courier internationally.
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