Large Antique Edwardian Armorial 18K Gold Lion Crest Pendant, Sampson Mordan

Large, stunning granulated antique French Etruscan Revival locket with the original, equally spectacular large chain. The oval locket exquisitely decorated with a technique known as granulation, where a tiny gold bead is individually applied to a surface to form a geometric pattern. Done entirely by hand and requiring a master goldsmith, this technique is thought to have originated in Sumer approximately 5000 years ago. The Etruscans mastered the process in the first millennium B.C and closely guarded its secret, becoming celebrated for creating some of the most beautiful and technically advanced gold jewelry ever made. Condition: This piece is in very good condition retaining the original interior crystal, the hinges work very well and are precisely calibrated to stay open in place when desired. The back of the locket shows normal wear with just the slightest waviness. The chain is in excellent condition. Composed as a pendant locket on its original chain, the oval gold links reeded on the interior and applied chain link on the exterior, the oval locket decorated with twisted wirework circles and fine applied granulation patterns, suspended from a long bale with quatrefoil granulation. Hinged on the side, opening to reveal a hinged glass panel for a personal memento. French assay mark and maker's mark partially obscured Confident attribution to Fontenay based on partial hallmark and similar published examples. References: Wartski for gold enamelled locket on chain necklace, sold archives; DSF for gold enamelled locket pendant of similar workmanship and design. Fontenay pieces retaining the original chain which may be worn on its own are rare and desirable. Eugene Fontenay...

Exceptional quality, on par with the finest Castellani pieces, antique Etruscan Revival large 14K yellow gold locket pendant/brooch 19th Century Featuring superb granulation and wire...

Large antique 1914 Double Headed Eagle Ludwig III Konig Von Bayern 3 mark 14K yellow gold and vermeil coin pendant necklace The superb details of this beautiful coin are well suited ...

Beautiful estate Cartier solid and substantial gold bars pendant clip brooch composed of eight interconnected gold bars of rose and yellow gold. 1940's May be worn as a pendant or a...

Our Chinese Zodiac Collection. Each of the twelve Zodiac Animals, whether moving forward or standing tall, was designed to impart strength and resilience. This Rooster Medallion is ...

18k yellow gold pendant featuring a detailed lion motif. Designed by George Lenfant & Crafted by Van Cleef & Arpels, France, 1970. Total weight 16.0g. Length 27.6mm. Sizable.

A captivating locket necklace featuring a lion motif in 14k gold. The design showcases a 0.25-carat old European cut diamond, white in color, with VS1 clarity and J color grade. A ro...

Our Chinese Zodiac Collection. Each of the twelve Zodiac Animals, whether moving forward or standing tall, was designed to impart strength and resilience. This Monkey Medallion is h...