1800s Art Nouveau Gold Pearl Set Star Shaped and Enamel Pendant Watch

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1800s Art Nouveau Gold Pearl Set Star Shaped and Enamel Pendant Watch

About the Item

An Impressive & Large Art Nouveau 1800s, Pearl Set Star Shaped Pendant with a beautifully preserved Enamel Portrait of French Bourgeoisie Woman Basic Specifications & Case Dimensions - 72mm Height (Top of Pin to Bottom of Pendant Watch) - Starburst Pin 38mm Height x 38mm width - Pendant Watch 39mm Height x 26mm width - Recently Serviced & Perfect Working Condition - No Missing Pearls & No Enamel Loss Catalog Note During the mid 19th century pendant watches such as the present example were famously designed by many of the leading jewelry and timepiece manufacturers for special clients. Variations in designs ranged from enamel designs to diamond set creations and other materials on rare occasion such as garnet or pearl. The present example designed entirely in pearls is an exquisite completely origin and excellently preserved period creation. The concept of the pendant lapel watch was made so popular as a result of its versatility in style given its ability to allow for numerous styles as a necklace, brooch and ability to be worn separately as it detaches. Designed with an ornate cover to appear as a brooch when the exterior side faces outward, the dial and time is concealed so to onlookers the timepiece appears only as a pendant on a necklace or brooch on the lapel of a coat or dress. The purpose was so that users were able to wear the pendant watch without others in their company being made aware that they were checking the time during an event or function as that was seen as rude for lady to do. In addition examples which were designed with pearls set into the case and enamel were considered much more difficult to create than other examples of pendant watches with only enamel as well as costly due to the additional workmanship required to match and set the pearls, as well as incorporate and engineer the art of enameling at this time. As a result, the combination of limited technology to pearl dive in order to obtain pearls and the incredibly difficult art of enameling makes the present timepiece a very unique example of an antique art form which successfully challenged all the contemporary issues of the day. From societal norms where a woman could not be seen checking the time in the company of others, but still wanted to know how much longer they'd have until the function was about to end, to the technological limitations of being able to hand paint small detailed enamel scenes without the colors blending or the pearls from being damaged from the heat needed to reach specific color hues: the present timepiece is a truly one of a kind treasure for a person who appreciates both history and style and would like to add something completely unique to their fashion. More specifically as it relates to the condition , the enamel scene of bourgeoise woman in a beautiful pink garb and light blue matching bow through hair is in excellent condition as the enameller depicted a very elegant and detailed portrait scene which is clearly well throughout with attention to detail. Additionally, the dial of the timepiece is also in perfect condition and is designed with a set of beautiful hand cut gold fancy hour hands on a clean ivory white enamel dial that has additional number markers hand painted for the minutes on an outer track and an enamel hand painted fancy numeral number system to represent the hours. Also important to note, the condition of the present timepiece is excellent given its nearly 200 year old age. The present timepiece shows no signs of wear to the case, no dents, missing pearls or enamel scene portrait loss as well as the movement which also has been recently serviced and cleaned and is in perfect condition as well. For additional photos or video please do not hesitate to ask

Metal:
Gold,Enamel
Stone:
Natural Pearl
Stone Cut:
Trillion Cut
Dimensions:
Height: 2.84 in (72 mm)Width: 1.03 in (26 mm)
Style:
Art Nouveau
Place of Origin:
Switzerland
Period:
Mid-19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1830s-1880s
Condition:
Repaired.
Seller Location:
New york, NY
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU121239690112