Antique Brooch Pendant Angel 18k Gold Platinum Diamonds Enamel Signed (7099)

Antique Victorian brooch pendant. 18k gold, 950 platinum, diamonds, enamel. Made in France by the jeweller Mues Henri Hauteur, circa 1900. Identified and Signed. Unisex - suitable to be worn by a man or a woman. Measurements: Weight is 10.6 grams. Just under 1 1/2 inches across the top (3.5cm). Description : Nicolas Blasset was a famous architect and sculptor in the 1600's, living in Amiens and especially associated with the Amiens Cathedral. Most famously, in 1628, he sculpted a figure, known as "The Weeping Angel of Amiens" in the mausoleum of Canon Guillain Lucas in the Amiens Cathedral. It depicts a winged cherub, weeping, sitting alongise a skull, symbolic of death. This gold medallion depicts the exact same scene. The medallion is embossed 1628 and DUPRES N. BLASSET D'AMIENS. Further along it is embossed, in smaller letters, Gaudin & Dubray. The medallion is set in a triangular platinum frame with a gold ribbon, as though suspending it, above. The ribbon of the bow can be used to suspend the medallion as a pendant. Alternatively, the jewel can be worn as a brooch. The medallion is set in a double frame: an inner, gold frame that floats around and echoes the round shape of the inner disk. Around it, also seemingly floating, is a rounded triangle of platinum, pave set with rosecut diamonds. Millegrain edges. The spaces in the corners of the triangle are set with green-enamelled diagonally placed squares. Foliage and ribbons form accents. The back of the medallion is beautifully engraved with a scrolling monogram. The hinged pin has a very clever clasp/catch. There is a tiny lever for turning it around and opening it in order to release the pin. Regardless of the history behind this brooch pendant, it is beautifully made and very lovely, reflecting the versatility of the Victorians. As wearable by a man or woman today, as it was a 1 1/4 centuries ago. Marks and Metal: Eagle and dog heads on the side, indicate both platinum and gold. French hallmarks on the pin. Maker's mark lozenge for Mues Henri Hauteur behind one of the enamelled squares. Condition: Good with negligible wear commensurate with age. Minor wear to enamel. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.