Markings: Unmarked, tested, and guaranteed
Main Stone: Turquoise glass
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
- Diameter: 2.85 mm to 3.02 mm
- Color: opaque bright blue hue
Accent Stone: Coral glass
Accent Stone Measurements/Color:
- Diameter: 2.92 mm to 5.39 mm
- Color: opaque bright pink hue
Stone Treatment: Glass is a manufactured stone. Stone(s) have been tested and guaranteed using a professional Presidium Duo refractive, heat, and hardness tester.
Stone Cuts: Polished round cabochon
Item Measurements:
- Wearable length: 8.06"
- Chain width: 0.21"
- Charm measurements: 0.83" to 1.05" length, 0.30" to 0.61" width
- handcrafted during the Art Nouveau era in the Etruscan style
- composed of .925 sterling silver
- features a strand of cable chain links from which six dangling charms were strung
- these unique charms showcase the motifs of a drum, a pointed slipper, a triangle, a jug, a knife sheath, and a lantern
- several of these charms are pieces of rare, hollow puffy jewelry, created using the repousse metalworking technique
- these charms are adorned with bright pink coral glass and blue turquoise glass stones
- completed with a spring ring clasp for secure wear
Damage: Age appropriate wear. There is wear to the faces of the coral glass and turquoise glass stones, which does not affect wear. This item contains some tarnish, which gives it an antique quality we believe is rather lovely. 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 common 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.
Etruscan Revival jewelry was first popularized during the early 1800s when an Etruscan tomb was discovered just outside of Rome. Upon its discovery, jewelers worked to imitate and understand the metalworking techniques with which the jewelry was made. Not only was Etruscan jewelry a luxurious addition to the Victorian styles of the day. But it introduced new ideas and decorations. These Etruscan tombs contained jewelry adorned with long and flowing geometric lines and motifs, mythological imagery and scenery, and celestial elements. The techniques of repoussé, filigree, and granulation are all attributed to the Etruscans.
Puffy jewelry is a name given to hollow repousse pieces, typically little heart charms. Puffy hearts came into fashion in the late 1800s and were popular until the 1950s. Today, puffy jewelry is highly sought after, but very rare to find because they were difficult to make in the first place and were easily damaged due to their hollow cores.
Repoussé began as an ancient metalworking technique dating as far back as the 3rd century BC, involving malleable metal that was hammered onto the reverse side to create an image on the front. Examples are found all over the world; Greece, Egypt, and even the Hopewell periods in the American southeast. Reverse side hammering was also used to add detail to the front, creating intricate patterns using grooves, indentations, and channeling. The piece was then carefully polished to create a hollow, eye-catching treasure.
