Antique Portrait Enamel, Rose Diamond and Natural Pearl Necklace, Austrian. SOLD
SOLD Antique multi color portrait enamel, rose diamond, natural pearl, yellow gold and silver necklace, c 1860. The finely painted portrait enamel was probably done in Switzerland as the best enamelists at this time were Swiss. Notice the fine graduation of color in the cherub's cheeks and the attention given to the expression in the cherub's eyes and his smiling lips.
The metals utilized are both silver and gold. The silver is sufficiently small such that it may be 800 or sterling. In the 19th and early 20th century, Austria and Germany use 800 silver frequently.
The gold was tested on both the thinner and thicker gold chain utilized. The backs of the silver and rose cut diamond bars that are backed in gold were also tested. The back of the cherub's wings were tested and the spring ring (which could be a replacement) was also tested. All areas acid tested to be 14K.
Also while we cannot be certain that the two types of gold chain utilized are original this this piece. Both links are 19th century.
Use of a 10x magnification just above the two rose cut diamond bars reveals the hallmarks of Austria.
Diamond set silver elements of the 19th century were usually always backed in gold not only to keep clothing clean from tarnish, but also to maintain the strength of the silver work.
Interestingly, at to attest to the detail given to such a lovely necklace, the back of the wings was carefully and artistically chased. The back of the cherub's head is also hand chased to appear as strands of hair.
The cherub necklace is 15.50 inches in length (and can be lengthened in the back by adding additional chain that will not be exact but similar). The central element is 1.25 inches across. The natural pearl displays fine luster and is no doubt original.
All items sold are accompanied by a detailed Statement of Value by our gemologist, as well as all original gemological documentation, if specified in the listing. As always, we guarantee all of pieces to be exactly as represented. Each piece of jewelry arrives in a finely gift-wrapped presentation box.
Over the decades of our stewardship as a small but exemplary purveyor of the jeweler's art, we have strived to offer a fine and authentic selection, in excellent condition, of collectible jewels from all highly sought time periods at competitive prices and even lower prices, if possible. In the process we have had the extraordinary good fortune of meeting remarkable people - some collectors, others just extremely interesting individuals who have taken the time and effort to examine their lives and select things that tend to make them smile, or admire, or just wonder at the exciting endlessly creative and nuanced panoply of jeweled artifacts.