Art Nouveau Necklace by Fernand Grange
The latter half of the 19th century saw, for the first time since the Renaissance, jewellery and metalwork considered as fine art that was "outstandingly original" and "detached from fashions in dress," as Charlotte Gere and Geoffrey Munn write in Pre-Raphaelite to Arts and Crafts Jewellery (1996). Jewellery became a valid medium for true artistic expression.
"The number of artists who turned to designing jewellery and metalwork was greater than in any other field, and was almost equalled by the number of trained jewellers whose work in this period was original enough to give them the same status as that enjoyed by a successfully exhibiting painter or sculptor." [Gere & Munn]
This necklace, crafted in the Art Nouveau style, is signed by French artist Fernand Grange who was an important Artisan Metal Worker active during the first half of the 20th century, best known for his Art Deco Dinanderie works - vases, bowls, etc. Jewellery by Grange is very rare; he didn't make very much of it, but the pieces he did are exquisite. The pendant perfectly captures the grace and beauty found in natural forms. It's crafted around a triangular mabé pearl with three nicotiana flower drops that dangle beneath leafy branches, framed above by a chevron border. There are no straight lines here, rather subtle curves and exquisite textures; the outer two flower drops are finished in white enamel and the centre is solid gold. French assay marks, the eagle head, warrant it as 18 carat, and it hangs from a fine trombone link chain.
Era: Art Nouveau, circa 1900
Pendant size: 4.9cm by 5.4cm
Chain length: 16 inches
Stone: Mabé Pearl
Marks: Signed F. Grange with French assay marks for 18ct gold
Condition: Good antique condition. One leaf has come away from its stem and the enamel has cracked on the right hand drop. A couple of the chain links are slightly deformed.
Full appraisal document provided with each item
This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable)
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain)
Shipping
Express shipping is free of charge and carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
UPS Express (International)
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
Buying a Gift?
Leave a note at checkout and we'll include a handwritten note to the recipient. Just tell us what you'd like to say
Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£35 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
Leave a note at checkout with your desired size
Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
A 25% deposit will be taken to secure the item. The remaining balance will be settled in 90 days. You can pay installments weekly, monthly, or the full balance at the end - whatever works.
Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved, often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff/scrape are quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
More Questions?
Get in touch... There's a live chat at the bottom right of each page.
alex@lostowl.jewelry