This stunning antique Art Deco plique-a-jour winged scarab brooch is crafted in 935 silver (a higher grade than sterling at 925) and was likely made in Germany.
Superb quality this piece is a miniature work of art. The outspread wings are set in red-orange and green plique-a-jour enamel accented at the top in a line of sparkling marcasite gemstones. A glowing orange carnelian carved into a scarab beetle is set in the centre of the brooch forming his abdomen and a tiny red ruby serves as his twinkling eye. The brooch is stamped with a makers mark on the pin stem that is obscured, it looks like an L, W and T in 3 separate square punches.
Plique-à-jour (French for "letting in daylight") is an extremely challenging jewellery technique and German period pieces in particular are very desirable. Couple this with the Art Deco era's obsession with all things Egyptian, a craze that began in 1923 when Howard Carter opened Tutankhamen's tomb, then this piece has it all!
DETAILS:
MATERIALS: 935 silver, enamel
GEMSTONE: Presidium tested, oval carnelian 11x7mm, ruby 1mm diameter
MEASUREMENTS: 2-1/2"/6.5cm across, 2cm/3/4" high
DATE: circa 1920-1930, Art Deco
WEIGHT: 8.5 grams
HALLMARKS: stamped "935" along with a makers mark on the pin
CONDITION: in excellent antique condition with no damage to the enamel work and the pin back in perfect working order.
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.
Materials: 935 Silver, Enamel, Carnelian, Ruby, Marcasite.