Antique 9ct Gold Art Nouveau Peridot/Seed Pearl Lavalier Pendant 18ct Gold Chain

  

Sleek and elegant antique Edwardian Art Nouveau lavalier pendant in buttery yellow 9ct gold, featuring two beautiful, clear, light green, faceted peridot gemstones and creamy white natural seed pearls. The pendant which probably dates to around 1910, hangs from a later 750/18ct gold chain which is hallmarked on the spring ring, with marks too small to read, but possibly for Birmingham. Spanning the years 1895 to 1905, the Art Nouveau style was born from the Arts and Crafts movement which began around 1880 and which was influenced by, among others, the famed designer William Morris who believed in the individual hand and skill of the craftsman and high standards of quality. This teamed perfectly with the intricate and elaborate designs that define the Art Nouveau style, where designers took their inspiration from stylised natural forms; flowers, animals, insects and often the female form. Very common was the "whiplash line"; those undulating, linear flourish so universally associated with Art Nouveau and they were often used in Lavalier necklaces, whereby the pendant finishes in a single stone dangling from the base, often a pearl or diamond, resembling a tear running off a cheek, or a dew drop on the tip of a leaf!

This glorious example sparkles beautifully when the light hits it. Pendant length from bale 5cms x width 3.1cms. Chain length 44cms, total pendant drop 27cms/11 and weight 6g. Peridot is the birthstone for August and is associated with the 16th wedding anniversary. This would make a wonderful and unique gift for either occasion. Please note, photos are enlarged to show details; scale can be assessed by photo 17.

Pendant will be despatched in the gift box pictured.