Description
This is such a rare find and is so astonishing. It is a large, statement piece executed in silver, clearly hand-crafted and of such a complex structure. It has really astonished me to see how the central plaque has been constructed, with similar silver foliate detailing on the front and verso. I have never seen anything quite like it and haven’t been able to attribute it. It is a sophisticated and labour-intensive piece of work and I am assuming a one-off piece. I love looking at it and even from the verso, you can see that a pearl has been woven into the design in the middle, giving this piece such a 3D effect.
The main rectangular plaque is edged with a line of pastes and then we have a complex and beautiful design of long leaves, dog tooth pearls as calla lilies perhaps and then, what I thought initially may have been paste stones, but are actually super sparkly white topaz stones. 12 topaz stones and 9 pearls in total. It is such a heavily organic design – I think it is wonderful. No symmetry, all naturalistic and non-symmetrical. Leaves, topaz stones and pearls have been intertwined in this impressive piece. There is a matching top section to the pendant so that the piece moves in an articulated way. There is even a matching spacer at the back of the neck, also set with topaz stones, pearls and with an enamelled leaf.
The original chain is unusual, with interesting links and groupings of faux pearls. It has an extender chain addition near the back plaque so that it just pops on and off over your head. You could change the chain if you don’t like the faux pearls but for me, it is the original chain and part of the overall look. Considering her age she is doing remarkably well condition-wise. As you can see there is missing green enamel from some of the leaves. Hardly any wonder with this intricate design and its statement size. Even if the rest of the enamel were to disappear, it would still be a glorious piece as you can see from the verso. Luckily, all of the topaz stones and pearls are present and in excellent condition, with no wear I can see. What a piece of work! I just wish I knew more about her as she is clearly a very special piece.
The pendant section measures a touch over 8cm by 3.8cm. The wearable length of the chain is approx 73cm. I will send by international courier or else special delivery within the UK. Boxes in the images are not included – thank you.
Ref:cwa