Description
RESERVED for L only******************************
Truly an amazing piece of hand crafted Arts and Crafts jewellery c1900-1905 era. There are so many beautiful features and it is also signed, which is a rarity too. In the most statement, romantic gesture-there is a central focus of two doves bowing their heads to each other, which is such a strong symbol of the union of two people. It shrieks LOVE. The carved glass is signed with a hand etched signature, I just can’t read, apart from the F at the beginning. I am assuming the same hand made all of these parts – what an achievement.
Looking very much like a Guilds’ piece, the initials FW appear in circles on the reverse. The closest I came to establishing the craftsperson was to attribute it possibly to Effie Ward, who studied at the Birmingham School of Art. She collaborated at times with her sister Eleanor and so perhaps chose the “F” so as to clarify it was her work rather than Eleanor’s….but this is simply a best guess. It is an impressive piece. The carved glass panel has a halo of hand wrought leaves and berries in singular form, as well as in clusters of three. There are lovely, vivid plum-coloured amethysts set in fluted / scalloped settings at the four compass point positions. A pearl is suspended below the bottom amethyst. Two smaller pearls (faux pearls) are suspended below the E & W points. Very cleverly, the side chains connect to those amethysts. The two small chains lead up to a separate leaf each.
The central, larger amethyst cabochon (also in a scalloped setting) has a pair of silver leaves crossing below it. The main chain connects at the top of that central amethyst. There are alternating twisted silver links and faux pearls throughout the chains. The catch is most likely a more recent replacement. It is in excellent condition-just the patina you see in the images. Amethysts, glass and all silver work are in such pleasing condition. A splendid antique necklace and absolutely has to be a one-off.
The drop from the central amethyst is approx 10.5cm and the length of the chain is approx 52.5cm (20.5 inches) in length.
I will send by courier internationally and by Royal Mail Tracked and Signed within the UK. Please note that boxes in the images are for display only. Thank you.
