Antique Arts & Crafts Pair Chain Necklaces Gold Silver Sapphires Enamel (6940)

Antique Arts & Crafts pair of chain necklaces. 14-15ct gold, silver, sapphires and enamel. Made circa 1905 in the United Kingdom / England. Measurements: Weight is 41.2 grams. Longer chain is approximately 32inches (83.5cm) long. Shorter chain is approximately 22 1/2 inches 57cm long. 29.30ct sapphires. Description : Two very fine Arts and Crafts mixed metal chain necklaces. Composed of alternating sections of sapphires, enamelled gold stations, gold beads and links and further silver chains. The multi-coloured round-oval sapphires are spectacle set in silver. Each is linked via gold loops to mirror-image gold triangles, guilloche enamelled in green and white. Tiny crimped pattern on outer gold borders. Triangles are enamelled on both sides so the chains are fully reversible. The point of each trinagle is followed by more gold links with a golden bead in their center. This in turn, is followed by a wonderful silver section, composed of intertwining Celtic knots. The design influence of British Arts & Crafts is very clear and reminiscent of Archibald Knox who incorporated such Celtic features into their jewelry designs. The silver sections are followed by another gold section, exactly as the one described above, with a small, round enamelled disc following them. The circular gold disc is guilloche enamelled in green and white to match the triangles previously described and have the same fine pattern on the gold borders. This entire series is repeated throughout the necklaces. Sapphires are a variety of colors including blue, yellow, green, purple and white. The shorter necklace has a useful jump loop, which could be a later addition. The Celtic theme is very typical of British Arts & Crafts of the period as is the use of mixed metals, which added to the level of interest and sophistication. The geometric shapes of the triangles and round sections is a precursor to the Art Deco period, which came somewhat later. Quality of workmanship is excellent. Beautiful enamelling in very fine condition (see below). Marks and Metal: No marks were found. Gold was acid tested to ensure metal purity. Condition: Very good. We found no damage or losses of any sort. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.