Age Circa: Art Nouveau C. 1890 - 1910
Markings: Unmarked, Tested, and Guaranteed
Country of Origin: Unknown
Brand: Unknown
Gram Weight: 7.3 Grams
Metal Type: .925 Sterling Silver with a Gold Wash
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Item Measurements: The pendant measures 1.0" in length and 0.65" wide.
Closure/Clasp Type: This pendant lacks a bale and will need one attached in order to be worn.
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Pendant Type: Drop Pendant
Notable Features: This pendant was handmade during the Art Nouveau era. The pendant is made out of .925 sterling silver with a gold wash in the shape of a ram's head with Etruscan-inspired design elements. The Etruscan Revival movement began in the early 1800s following the discovery of ancient Etruscan sites outside of Rome. Included amongst the discoveries was Etruscan jewelry, which featured heavy use of gold, filigree, and granulated beading. Jewelers quickly incorporated these styles and techniques into their own work, changing jewelry designs for centuries.
The ram's head which comprises this pendant was carefully crafted to look realistic, with its face, mouth, and horns visible. Further detail is provided with engravings of curling and curved lines across the face and neck of the ram, a classic characteristic of Etruscan jewelry. Small in size but heavy in sterling silver, this pendant would pair nicely with a variety of antique chains. As this pendant lacks a bale, it will need one attached in order to be worn. A beautiful example of Etruscan jewelry from the Art Nouveau era, this pendant would make a valuable addition to any antique jewelry collection.
Damage: Age appropriate wear. The original bale on this pendant broke off at some point in its life; your local jeweler can easily attach a new bale so this piece can be worn. 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.
Archaeological revival jewelry was inspired by the excavations and discoveries of Roman, Byzantine, Egyptian, and Etruscan sites in the 18th and 19th Centuries. These archaeological digs uncovered beautiful works of decorative arts, giving jewelers a glimpse into the past for inspiration for contemporary designs. Some of the revival styles incorporate the use of filigree and granulation decorations. The revival styles emphasized the contrast between antiquity and modernity, with jewelers of the modern world borrowing motifs and techniques from the ancients, to perfect with advanced technologies and incorporate into modern designs.
Etruscan revival jewelry swept into popularity in the early 1800s with the Victorian era discovery of Etruscan tombs just outside of Rome in Italy. These archaeological digs unearthed beautiful golden jewelry that had been meticulously ornamented with tiny gold beads, featuring flowing geometric shapes, celestial motifs, and a plethora of sacred and Greco-Roman mythological figures. The techniques of repoussé, filigree, and granulation are all attributed to the Etruscans. Jewelers all over the world avidly began to attempt to replicate these ancient techniques, changing the way fine jewelry was made for many years.
