Art Deco diamond pendant necklace, circa 1910, property from a private collection, terminating on a swing drop millegrain-set with an old European-cut diamond weighing approximately 1.58 carats, surmounted by a similarly set diamond between an openwork geometric plaque decorated with rose and old mine-cut diamonds, the small diamonds together weighing approximately 0.42 carats, completed by a fine trace chain, mounted in platinum, inner circumference 15.75 in., pendant length 1.73 in., accompanied by a Heinrich Mau Hofjumelier Dresden fitted box., Provenance, Mrs Elisabeth Roesch, Dresden, Kingdom of Saxony. Private Collection, Sydney, by descent from the above. Other Notes: in late 19th century Vienna, Heinrich Mau was a renowned Hofjumelier, or court jeweller. He served as an official supplier of jewellery to Austro-Hungarian court, creating exquisite pieces for the Royal Family and aristocrats. Mau was known for his exceptional skill in crafting jewellery using precious gems and metals, and his pieces were highly sought after by the elite of Vienna and beyond. Mau's legacy as a master jeweller continues to this day, with his designs being highly valued by collectors and his name recognized as synonymous with the height of Austrian jewellery-making craftsmanship.
- Art Deco Period - The Art Deco period was a cultural movement that emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, and was characterized by its emphasis on modernism, luxury, and elegance. The name "Art Deco" comes from the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, a large exhibition held in Paris in 1925 that showcased the latest trends in decorative arts.
Art Deco was a reaction against the ornate and elaborate styles of the previous era, and reflected a new modern sensibility. It was characterized by streamlined, geometric shapes, bright colours, and the use of new materials such as chrome, glass, and Bakelite. Art Deco designers sought to create a sense of luxury and sophistication, often incorporating expensive materials such as ivory, marble, and rare woods.
Art Deco had a significant impact on a wide range of artistic fields, including architecture, fashion, graphic design, and interior design. Some of the most iconic examples of Art Deco architecture include the Empire State Building in New York City, the Hoover Building in London, and the Palais de Chaillot in Paris.
The Art Deco period came to an end in the 1940s, as World War II and changing cultural trends led to a shift in artistic styles. However, Art Deco remains an important influence on design and art, and continues to be celebrated for its modernist sensibility and glamorous aesthetic.
- Openwork in Jewellery - Openwork, also known as pierced work, is a decorative technique used in jewellery making that involves removing or cutting out sections of metal from a piece of jewellery to create a pattern or design. This technique can be used in a wide range of jewellery styles, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings.
Openwork jewellery can be made using a variety of different techniques, including hand carving, sawing, and laser cutting. The design can be simple or complex, and can feature a range of different shapes and motifs, from delicate floral patterns to bold geometric designs.
One of the advantages of openwork jewellery is that it can add visual interest and depth to a piece without adding a lot of weight or bulk. This can be particularly appealing in larger pieces, such as necklaces and bracelets, where heavy materials can be uncomfortable to wear.
- Circa - A Latin term meaning 'about', often used in the antique trade to give an approximate date for the piece, usually considered to be five years on either side of the circa year. Thus, circa 1900 means the piece was made about 1900, probably between 1895 and 1905. The expression is sometimes abbreviated to c.1900.
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