Antique Vintage Nouveau store 14k Gold Filled GF Rococo Enamel Chased Pin Brooch 4.1g

We have similar Rococo and Art Nouveau items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Rococo" or "Nouveau" under our items.

Listing Description by: Angela A.

The Piece

Age Circa: Art Nouveau C. 1890 - 1910

Markings: Unmarked, tested, and guaranteed

Country of Origin: Unknown

Brand: Unknown

Gram Weight: 6 grams

Metal Type: 14k yellow gold filled over base metal, base metal pin stem

Material: Taille d'epargne enamel

Main Stone: --

Main Stone Measurements/Color: --

Accent Stone: --

Accent Stone Measurements/Color: --

Stone Treatment: --

Stone Cuts: --

Item Measurements:
-Length: 1.36"
-Width: 1.09"

Pin/Brooch Style: Brooch, lapel pin, hat pin, scarf pin, tie pin

Closure Type: Pin stem with an open "c" clasp

Convertible to Pendant: If desired, your local jeweler can add a bale to this piece, so it can be worn as a pendant

Notable Features:
-Handmade during the Art Nouveau era in the Rococo style
-Composed of 14k yellow gold filled over base metal
-The body of the brooch features an oval motif, bordered by elegant geometric motifs
-Elegant swirling foliate-like patterns in the store Rococo style were hand-chased into the brooch before being adorned with black taille d'epargne enamel
-A base metal pin stem and open "c" clasp completes the piece for comfortable and secure wear on a variety of accessories

Damage: Age appropriate wear. There is wear to the enamel, revealing the yellow gold beneath it; however, this does not affect wear. There is also a stone missing from the center of the brooch, with two prong-like settings remaining; this can be replaced by your local jeweler. 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 standard 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.

The late Baroque or Rococo period prevailed in the 18th century. The period was known for its substantial use of asymmetrical designs, curves, gold, and witty, whimsical themes. Both men and women at court wore sparkling gemstones set in gold during this period, as well as colorless glass pastes and pearls. Colored gems were often highly foiled behind them to enhance the depth of color. Jewelry was often created with naturalistic, floral designs. Rococo jewelry also featured embossed and engraved floral and feather designs on metal.

Enameling originally dates all the way back to the ancient Persians of Meenakari. The technique involves bonding powdered glass to a base, usually gold, by firing (heating and melting the glass onto the metal). The glass hardens to form a layer of pigment over the metal. Enamel is made of colored powdered glass or may include clear powdered glass that is mixed with colorful metallic pigments. It was used by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Celts; and later the Chinese and Georgians. It resurged in popularity in the 20th century. It is primarily used on decorative art or jewelry, usually small in size. Besides jewelry, enamel can also be applied to glass, ceramic, stone, and various other materials.

Taille d'Epargne, sometimes called black enamel tracery, is a variation of enameling where lines are engraved directly into the metal to form a design. These lines are then filled with opaque enamel, usually black, to emphasize the engraving. This technique was often used to decorate bracelets, watch cases, chatelaines, and mourning jewelry. This method of enameling was popular through the mid-1850s.

Chasing is a metalworking technique that uses a nail-like tool and hammer to hand etch patterns onto a metal surface. This process creates a design that is sunk into the front of the surface using indentations, grooves, and channels. Chasing is thousands of years old and was a very difficult and time-consuming technique that is still used by metalsmiths today.



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