We have similar Art Nouveau and Cufflink items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Nouveau" or "Cufflink" under our Buy-it-Now items.
Listing Description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Age Circa: Art Nouveau C. 1890 - 1920
Markings: "MM Co" on the posts, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin: United States
Brand: Moore Manufacturing Co.
Gram Weight: 6.1 grams
Metal Type: 14k yellow gold filled over base metal
Material: --
Main Stone: Mother of pearl
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
- Length: 13.41 mm
- Width: 8.50 mm
- Color: lustrous white hue
Accent Stone: --
Accent Stone Measurements/Color: --
Stone Treatment: The mother of pearl stone(s) appears to be untreated, but we are not certified gemologists. The stone has been tested and guaranteed using a professional Presidium Duo refractive, heat, and hardness tester.
Stone Cuts: Carved and polished mother of pearl buttons
Item Measurements:
- Cufflink face: 0.75" length, 0.53" width
- Cufflink post: 0.62" length, 0.05" width
- Cufflink backing: 0.55" length, 0.33" width
- Total length: 0.76"
Convertible to Earrings: If desired, your local jeweler can most likely convert these cufflinks to earrings by adding the earring backing style of your choice.
Notable Features:
- Handmade in the Nouveau era by Moore Manufacturing Co., a United States jewelry company
- Composed of 14k yellow gold filled over base metal
- Each cufflink face features a lovely mother of pearl button with a lustrous white hue
- These buttons rest in bezel settings which are adorned with elegant scroll motifs
- Completed with bent posts and bean-shaped backs for secure wear
Damage: Age appropriate wear. There is minor wear to the gold filled over base metal, exposing the base metal underneath in some areas; this does not affect wear. One of the mother of pearl buttons contains minor scuffing, which is not immediately noticeable when worn and does not affect wear. One of the bean backings is slightly bent, which does not affect wear and can be easily repaired by your local jeweler, if desired. The price has been reduced to reflect this.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
The Art Nouveau era, 1890-1910, was also called "La Belle Epoque" in French, which translates to "A Beautiful Time.” This was very true due to the gorgeous designs that came out of this period. This era focused on women, and the beauty of nature and the pieces were often large. Enamel was a standard material used in Art Nouveau jewelry as the period was more about the importance of the design over the materials used to create it. The Art Nouveau period happened before the start of the first World War, when mass manufacturing took over the production of many products, including some jewelry.
Mother of Pearl is a beautiful type of organic mollusk shell lining that is made up of nacre, the same substance that coats pearls. It is a strong, iridescent material that is well suited to decorative arts, and has been used in art, jewelry and even architecture for thousands of years. Mother of Pearl is highly prized for its distinct, multi-colored pearlescent glow.
