An exceptional vintage sterling silver pendant necklace by the renowned German jewellery house Ehinger & Schwarz, masterfully sculpted as a naturalistic water lily leaf with deeply textured veining and an elegant flowing organic form. Suspended beneath, a luminous freshwater pearl sways delicately with movement, lending the piece a graceful fluidity and quiet sensuality deeply rooted in the artistic language of German Jugendstil.
Dating to the late 20th century, this remarkable piece beautifully reflects the enduring influence of the German Art Nouveau movement, reinterpreted through the sculptural modernist design vocabulary for which Ehinger & Schwarz became internationally celebrated. The softly oxidised silver surface, asymmetrical botanical modelling, and tactile hand-finished quality all speak to the firm’s distinctive approach to artistic jewellery — jewellery conceived not merely as adornment, but as wearable sculpture inspired by nature itself.
The reverse is stamped ‘925’ for sterling silver alongside the stylised Ehinger & Schwarz maker’s mark. The quality of manufacture is exceptional throughout, from the carefully engineered articulated pearl suspension to the beautifully designed concealed double bale, which allows the pendant to sit perfectly when worn. There is a quiet sophistication and refinement to the piece in person that is difficult to fully capture in photographs; it possesses the unmistakable presence of thoughtfully designed artisan jewellery of the highest calibre.
Designed primarily as a pendant, it is suspended from a new fine sterling silver chain which is adjustable for different necklines. The piece may also be worn as a brooch via the discreet fitting to the reverse, offering wonderful versatility while preserving the integrity of the sculptural design.
Interestingly, this pendant was acquired alongside a small group of important German Jugendstil jewels, including fine plique-à-jour enamel brooches, suggesting it may originally have formed part of a discerning collector’s estate focused on German artistic jewellery and organic decorative arts.
A rare and highly collectible example of Ehinger & Schwarz design — sculptural, romantic, and unmistakably evocative of the enduring spirit of Jugendstil.
THE DETAILS
METAL: Sterling silver
GEMSTONE: Freshwater pearl, measuring approximately 6.8mm diameter
MEASUREMENTS: Pendant 3.5cm (1-1/2 inch) tall measured to include drop, 3cm (1-1/8 inch) wide. Chain adjustable 41–45cm (16–18")
MARKS: Stamped ‘925’ and with the stylised Ehinger & Schwarz maker’s mark
DATE: Circa 1980–1990
WEIGHT: 5.9 grams total
CONDITION: In excellent vintage condition with minimal light wear consistent with age
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At Mercy Madge we offer quality antique and vintage jewellery sourced in Great Britain. All of our pieces are professionally cleaned and polished so they are ready to wear and enjoy or give as a gift.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
* We offer free worldwide shipping on all purchases
* Returns - you can return your item for a refund for any reason. Just get in touch within 3 days of receiving your order and return it within 7 days.
* All gemstones have been tested and verified using a Presidium Gemstone Tester. All measurements and carat weights given are approximations.
* Our photographs have been taken in extreme close up to show you every tiny detail. This often means that any flaws or damage which you can see on the photos will be invisible when viewed normally with the eye. This can also mean that the item can appear larger on the screen than it is in person, so please be sure to read our written description to double check all sizes and dimensions.
* Buying a gift? – your item will arrive gift wrapped in a custom Mercy Madge jewellery box. Please note, unless otherwise stated antique boxes in our photos are for display only and are not included in the purchase.
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