"This is a splendid Art Nouveau enamelled rose gold combined pendent-brooch featuring two old mine diamonds, a rose cut diamond and a hanging pearl. It was designed via a technique called plique a jour in which the translucent enamel has been fired between thin gold wires to create the delicate veined wings adorning this brooch. Precise intricacies of soft color transitions within the face, along with delicate enamelling of the flower render this to be a true collectorÕs artefact. Undoubtedly a very refined piece and in extremely good condition; this beauty is positively wearable either as a striking brooch or pendant. Dimensions:Width 2.78 cm (1.09 in) Ð Weight: 13.8g Ð Circa 1890. Most probably created in France at the end of the nineteenth century this brooch is made in rose coloured gold and has two old mine cut brilliant diamonds, a rose cut diamond in the flower and a very nice hanging pearl. Although plique a jour enamel is delicate by its very nature this piece is eminently wearable. Thanks to the later addition of a loop on the back it can be worn, either as a brooch or a pendant and in the right setting it would make a truly noble conversation piece. A very similar jewel is depicted on picture # 30 in the book ""Art Nouveau Jewelry"" by Vivienne Becker (1985, Thames and Hudson, ISBN 0-525-24345-3) Antique jewelry object group: combined brooch-pendant Country of origin: Although it does not carry any legible control marks we believe this to be of French origin. Style: Art Nouveau (more info on styles) Style specifics: Although Art Nouveau took on distinctly localised tendencies as its geographic spread increase some general characteristics are indicative of the form. A description published in Pan magazine of Hermann Obrists wall-hanging Cyclamen (1894) described it as ""sudden violent curves generated by the crack of a whip"", which became well known during the early spread of Art Nouveau. Subsequently, not only did the work itself become better known as The Whiplash, but the term ""whiplash"" is frequently applied to the characteristic curves employed by Art Nouveau artists. Such decorative ""whiplash"" motifs, formed by dynamic, undulating, and flowing lines in a syncopated rhythm, are found throughout the architecture, painting, sculpture, and other forms of Art Nouveau design.(from: Wikipedia) Period: ca. 1890 (events and facts in 1890) Source of inspiration: Mother Nature Theme: Womans head with insect wings Material: 18K yellow gold (more info on precious metals) Technique: Plique-a-jour, (French for ""braid letting in daylight""} is a vitreous enamelling technique where the enamel is applied in cells, similar to cloisonne, but with no backing in the final product, so light can shine through the transparent or translucent enamel. It has a stained-glass like appearance and is considered very challanging technically. (From: Wikipedia) Extra information: brooch and pendant - Thanks to a discreetly placed ring system in the back, this jewel can also be worn either as a brooch or as a pendant. patina - Oxidation of any surface & change due to age. A natural staining or discoloration due to aging. Diamonds: Two old mine brilliant cut diamonds with a total estimated weight of approx. 0.15 crt. and one rose cut diamond . We do not have the weight of this diamond which is normal in our trade when it comes to rose cuts. Note: All diamond weights, color grades and clarity are approximate since the stones were not removed from their mounts to preserve the integrity of the setting. Total diamond weight: approx. 0.15 crt. (without the rose cut diamond) Precious stones: One pearl. (more info on precious stones) Birthstones: Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April and pearl for June. (more info on birthstones) Hallmarks: No trace. (more info on hallmarks) Condition: extremely good condition (more info on our condition scale) Dimensions: width 2.78 cm (1.09 inch) Weight: 13.80 gram (8.87 dwt) Reference N: 10280-4337 Copyright photography: Adin, fine antique jewelry "