Art Nouveau Pendant in Platinum and Gold with Diamonds and a Natural

The new art of the turn of the century went by many names in Europe. In Germany, it was called Jugendstil after the Munich magazine Jugend; in France, Art Nouveau; in Great Britain, Liberty Style; and in Austria, Secession style. What these different manifestations of Jugendstil had in common was the search for a new, independent formal language that would break away from the historical stylistic references of Historicism. This pendant is a fine example of that era. Two shapes are superimposed here, forming a harmonious whole. An ellipse and a heart are intertwined in such a way that three arched sections form in the upper part of the pendant, which gradually widen to accommodate diamonds. Fourteen diamonds in the historic old cut, totaling approximately 0.28 carats, make the surface of the pendant sparkle. A larger diamond is set in a carré setting at the center, forming the sparkling focal point of the composition. The lower edge is adorned with a natural Orient pearl, which is mounted to swing freely, lending a gentle sense of movement to the strictly symmetrical design. The pendant is made of 14-karat gold, while its visible side is crafted from light-colored platinum. The delicate chain that accompanies the piece of jewellery is also made of platinum. The unknown goldsmith thus employed a combination of materials characteristic of the early 20th century: the gold provides the piece of jewellery with stability, while the platinum enhances the white brilliance of the diamonds. The piece is in very good condition. It was likely made in Germany.

Estimate:$1,893.57

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