Art Nouveau BroochGold Opal Demantoid Sapphires Unisex F Walter Lawrence (7067)

Antique Art Nouveau, late Victorian brooch. 14k gold, opal, demantoid garnet and sapphires. Made in the USA by Frank Walter Lawrence. Circa 1895-1910.

Measurements: Weight is 11.0 grams. Approximately 1 1/4 inches (3.5cm) wide.

Description : A round shaped brooch composed of overlapping, intertwining fluted ribbons of gold that curl over and under one another. Set in the center with a beautiful cabochon opal, reflecting red, orange, green with a gorgeous glow of each tone, as the light catches different areas of the opal. The scrolling gold ribbons are set with bright green demantoid garnets and deep blue sapphires. This brooch uses many of the themes typical of the Art Nouveau and Arts & Crafts period. The overlapping scrolls with a somewhat Celtic look were very popular, the fashion being set in England by Ashbee and Liberty, but enthusiastically adopted by jewellers around the world. The fabulous peacock combination of bright green demantoid garnets with bright blue sapphires, was also very popular and is totally stunning. Finally, the love of opals in their various forms was a huge trend at the time and again, the contrast between the opal and it's bright colors, picked up and echoed by the other gems. Besides the other colors, this particular opal has a stunning display of green, as though the demantoid garnets have somehow been absorbed into the opal.

Quality of the craftmanship and design is superb. Aesthetically gorgeous. Literally, a true museum piece (see below).

Highly sought after by discriminating buyers, Frank Walter Lawrence was a silversmith and jeweller at the end of the 19th and early 20th century. He was a contemporary of Louis Comfort Tiffany and this brooch is highly reminiscent of LCT's early jewelry work. FWL's jewelry is found in many museums, including the Metropolitan Museum. His work was bought by those who knew and understood fine jewellery. FWL focused on quality, workmanship, color, texture and history with less regard for economic gain.

Marks and Metal: F.W.L. , the initials of the maker, indicate an earlier piece (the signature changed later on).

Condition: Good with negligible wear commensurate with age, including typical minor crazing to the opal (not visible to the naked eye - only when louped/magnified and seen highly magnified in the pictures). Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.