Necklace thumbnail 1
Necklace thumbnail 2
+3
images
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Jewellery, Rooms 91, The William and Judith Bollinger Gallery

This object consists of 3 parts, some of which may be located elsewhere.

Necklace

ca. 1890 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Many 19th century designers used historical styles. This necklace, made about 1890, looks back to the elaborate enamel and gold pendants of the Renaissance. In the 16th century, many goldsmiths used a large irregularly shaped (or baroque) pearl as part of the figure. They also decorated the front and back of the piece with equal care. Louis Wièse, who made this piece, and his father Jules ran an outstanding firm of jewellers in Paris. They specialised in works inspired by archaeological finds, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 3 parts.

  • Pendant
  • Chain
  • Case
Materials and techniques
Figures of enamelled gold (ronde-bosse enamel), with a central baroque pearl, set with table-cut diamonds and a cabochon ruby, and hung with a pendent pearl
Brief description
Mermaid pendant and chain.
France, Paris, about 1880; made by Louis Wièse (1852-1923); gold, ronde-bosse enamel, baroque pearls, table-cut diamonds and a ruby
Physical description
Pendant of a mermaid. Her torso is a baroque pearl, the rest enamelled gold. Her spiralling double tail is set with table-cut diamonds, and on it stands an enamelled gold Cupid. With original gold chain and dark red leather case.
Dimensions
  • Including chain folded in half height: 37.3cm
  • Width: 3.3cm
  • Depth: 1.4cm
measured as previously displayed
Style
Credit line
Bequeathed by Deirdre Inches Carr
Production
Paris
Summary
Many 19th century designers used historical styles. This necklace, made about 1890, looks back to the elaborate enamel and gold pendants of the Renaissance. In the 16th century, many goldsmiths used a large irregularly shaped (or baroque) pearl as part of the figure. They also decorated the front and back of the piece with equal care. Louis Wièse, who made this piece, and his father Jules ran an outstanding firm of jewellers in Paris. They specialised in works inspired by archaeological finds, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
Collection
Accession number
M.15:1 to 3-1996

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Record createdJanuary 17, 2003
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