An exquisite Gilt metal Necklace with finely worked Bressan Enamel panels surrounded by Gilded filigree work in the Cannetille style with a detachable Pendant, French, Circa 1870

An exquisite example of a 19th Century French Gilded metal necklace, mounted with four unusually large oval Bressan Enamel panels, each surrounded by intricate filigree work( in the Cannetille style); the lower section is removable as a detachable pendant. This high impact statement piece has four exceptionally worked and finely decorated oval lustrous blue Bressan Enamel panels which are interconnected by rows of Gilded beads.

Each of the two top (horizontal) oval Enamels are centrally mounted with a floral design set against a piercing green enamel star, complete with a red paste central stone, surrounded by six mini white enamel pieces, each pierced with a red enamel dot, there are a further two red enamel dots (one on either side of the floral leaf motifs), these are further surrounded by twenty-five (25) white paste beads reflecting the rich blue enamel base and the array of colours within each roundel. All set within a larger filigree frame, creating an elaborate swirl design (twelve in total) each with three (3) mini gilded beads dispersed within the swirls.

The third oval enamel roundel is centrally suspended (vertically) and supported by three rows of swaggered gilded beads, the detail design is similar to the top two enamel panels and is framed beautifully by more gilded filigree work. This in turn suspends a separate gilded filigree design which supports the fourth fine and equally as well decorated enamel panel (vertically suspended from the bottom).

Our extensive research indicates that this exquisite piece, with its rich colours and delicate work, may only be attributed to specialist manufacturers in the French town of Bresse (near the Swiss border).

It should be noted that it is rare to find Bressan enamel panels of this size (usually they are much smaller). Examples with extensive Cannetille work are also difficult to find. As a matter of course, Bressan enamels were usually mounted in either gilded metal or gilded silver.

For examples of similar very fine quality Bressan enamels, please see the various illustrations at the Bresse Museum.

Bresse, France

Circa 1870

Measurements:

Width: 16.53 inches (42 cm)

Full clasp to bottom pendant drop: 10.83 inches (27.5 cm)

Detachable drop: 3.34 inches (8.5 cm)

Weight: 64.2 grams