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ABOUT THIS NECKLACE
This unique and unusual, sizable (almost 2 by 1 1/2 inches) and distinctively beautiful locket was made using a long-lost process called Niello, which lends a darkened, gun metal type finish to silver jewelry and objet d'art. The oval is centered with an inlaid flower basket rendered in brightly contrasting rose gold. The following comes courtesy of Antique Jewelry University (AJU):
The Egyptians from antiquity used a variation of this decoration technique as did the ancient Romans. During the Roman occupation and migration period niello spread throughout Europe, as can be seen from Anglo-Saxon finds in Britain, as well as in Eastern-Europe. The Byzantines also had a great love for this technique. At the dawn of the Gothic period niello was revived in the Rheno-Mosan area of Germany and the low countries. It reached its height during the Renaissance when great masters such as Francesco Francia and Maso Finiguerra executed niello works to perfection. At the end of the 18th century this method of surface decoration was revived again and remained popular, to some extent, during the 19th century and the early 20th century. The town of Tula in Russia became especially famous for its niello work, which accounts for the alternate name of Tula silver. Around 1900 most niello work came from this town, some 200 km. south of Moscow, [2] where it was applied to watchcases, objects de virtu, jewelry, guns and tableware.
Details
Materials:
Silver, 10 Karat Rose Gold
Length:
1 15/16 inches
Width:
1 1/2 inches
Height:
2 1/8" w/bale
Gram Weight:
13.7 grams
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