Description
An undoubtedly important and impressive c1910 British Arts and Crafts necklace by the wonderful KATE EADIE, of Birmingham’s Vittoria Street School. The demand and interest in her pieces has really sky-rocketed over the last 18 months or so, meaning that the very rare pieces that do turn up, are usually quickly purchased and taken off the market again. This necklace was part of my own collection.
Kate was part of the Birmingham School of artists, designers and craftsmen and she was the muse and wife of Sidney Meteyard, the great Pre-raphaelite painter in the same group. She often appeared in his paintings and was well-accepted to be his muse.
She was a staggeringly talented jewellery designer and maker, who received accolades even during her time at school, for the quality and detailing of her work. She was a contemporary of Bernard Instone and also of George Hunt.
This necklace is spectacular in every part of its sumptuous design. It is a knock-out of colours-the amethysts are open backed and just the most wonderful, bright shade of plum. As you hold it to the light, you can continue to see the wonder of the piece.
It must have taken Kate a long time to produce this piece, as it is so intricate and the level of work “womanship” is superlative. Each amethyst or mother of pearl is set with those multi-squared teeth she used in her work. There are typical rope work coils and silver balls.
I adore the drop sections on the necklace as it creates such movement. The pendant section actually incorporates five moving parts.
I could spend hours studying the reverse of this necklace-it is just so neat and finely worked. What an absolute delight!!! Kate was such a precise and talented jeweller, often winning awards even in her school days for the fine finish on her pieces.
Please note that I am selling matching earrings separately. They are a really great match.
The pendant section on the necklace measures approx 6.4cm in height by approx 3.4cm at its widest point. The wearable length of the necklace is approx 42cm (16.5 inches).
