This is a special 18k blue enamel necklace featuring rose-cut diamonds, which accentuate the center medallion. 

Like all art, the zeitgeist of a particular era is written in the design of its jewelry. It is said that Art Nouveau jewelry was a reaction to French society at the time, including women's fight to secure more rights for themselves outside of the home. The nation's loss in the Franco-Prussian War left the French worried about what would occur if women got jobs and education, and worried the birth rate would then drop, leaving the country with fewer men to support future armies. This explains the feminist flavor of Art Nouveau. 

Pieces during this time depicted "fantasy" women, such as sexualized fairies or mermaids, or they would depict "scary" women such as Medusa or Cersi, representing the way French men thought about female figures at the time. Women were revered but were also feared. Art Nouveau jewelry also incorporated nature with insects and flowers of a sexualized nature, which, perhaps, we see in this necklace. This necklace is gorgeous on its look alone, as it was intended, but having knowledge of its original meaning makes it that much more powerful of a piece. A loud and proud addition to any collection. 

Materials and Features: Cobalt blue enamel and rose-cut diamonds

Age/Origin: French, Art Nouveau c.1890-1910

Marks: 

Measurements: 18.5" length, 1" cham (width & height)

Condition: Excellent condition. Minor associated age wear.

A 2.5" chain extender blends in, as it happens to be from the same time as the necklace itself. 

Please view and inspect any photos closely. We endeavor to fully disclose all condition information clearly and concisely, however, please note that what qualifies as excellent condition for historical jewelry differs from modern and contemporary pieces; please take the age of the piece into account when examining the piece. Minor age wear is typical and to be expected for antique and vintage jewelry. Unless otherwise stated, gemstones have not been officially graded for color, clarity, or treatment by GIA; any information provided is our own educated, professional assessment.