Antique Gold, Turquoise Paste & Pearl Pendant, British, c. 1910

Many pieces of English jewelry from the turn of the century are studded all over with seed pearls, which were available in large quantities due to the Empire's connection with India. Others flaunt the colorful brilliance of precious gemstones, which Britain obtained from the same source. And others combine the two and create something new. This pendant emphasizes the form with a deliberately restrained design. Three shimmering pearl shells adorn the center, flanked by two turquoise-blue glass stones. A knot shape reminiscent of Celtic ornaments unfolds around them. Finally, at the very bottom, another glass stone is suspended in a movable manner. In its two-dimensional, powerful design, it refers to the British Arts & Crafts movement, whose beginnings date back to the 19th century. Arts & Crafts was a movement with initially common philosophical and social reformist aims, but a style of its own soon became established. This design language became known as the Liberty Style in the years around 1900, as some of the Arts & Crafts artists offered their designs through the department store of the same name. While medieval references were favoured in fabric and furniture design, the Liberty Style stood out in jewellery due to its emphasis on flatness, the extensive avoidance of small-scale trimmings and the often bright colors - criteria that we also see fulfilled here. The piece of jewelry is made from a 15-karat gold alloy, which was introduced in Great Britain in 1854 and only used until 1932. The pendant is complemented by a modern chain. We discovered it in London.

Estimate:$1,448.61

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