French Art Nouveau Watch Pendant

The cameo at the center of this exceptional pendant is a stunning example of the art of gem engraving during the Renaissance. It likely dates to the early 17th century and features a sacrificial scene inspired by the Greco-Roman era. The central flaming altar is flanked by two figures preparing to sacrifice a ram, while a figure in a lion skin blowing horns stands in the left corner. The carver brilliantly uses the natural layers of the stone to achieve the illusion of shadow and musculature on the figures. A second, smaller cameo is set at the top of the pendant, while a myriad of multi-colored gems, pearls and enamel adorns the 18K gold setting. A large Baroque pearl suspended from an enamel dragon finishes the design, which embodies the opulence and theatricality of jewels from the Renaissance age. Cameos and intaglios were highly popular amongst wealthy connoisseurs in Renaissance Italy, and owning the finest pieces was the privilege of princes. Although they were often elaborately mounted for display alone, cameos were also frequently worn as pendants, surrounded by enameled and stone-set gold frames. Such pieces were particularly prized by the Medici and Lorraine families, many of which can now be seen at the National Archeological Museum in Florence. Very few Renaissance cameos...

A study in bold design, this elegant pendant watch by Cartier is in a class of its own. Crafted of platinum with a jet bezel, the timepiece features pierced hands and painted Arabic numerals on the dial. Diamonds totaling approximately 0.50 carat add a timeless finish and brilliance to the creation. The Cartier tradition...

This exquisite Tiffany & Co. watch pendant epitomizes the luxury of turn-of-the-century jewelry from this renowned maker. The distinctive bow design, crafted circa 1890, and the meti...

This magnificent Renaissance Revival suffragette pendant is a masterpiece by the renowned Giuliano firm. A delicate balance of artistry and meaning, the design centers a fancy cut Ro...

Art Nouveau Diamond Watch Brooch (c. 1890-1900) A masterwork of the Art Nouveau era, this antique 14k gold pendant watch is a floral reverie...

Guilloché (in English usually "Guilloche") is an engraving technique in in which a very precise, intricate pattern is mechanically etched into an underlying material with very fine detail. Most commonly, the Guilloche surface was then enameled and the repetitive, intricate design would show through the colorful enamel. A spectacular and unusual Guilloché enamel watch...

Art nouveau enamel Plique à Jour watch This is a very fine miniature brooch-pendant-watch, created in Genève Switzerland during the Art Nouveau period, between 1890-1900. The fabul...

This exceptional Art Nouveau pendant-brooch is a testament to the era’s mastery of nature-inspired design and unparalleled craftsmanship. At its heart lies a luminous natural blister...