Antique Plique à Jour Enamel Locket

I’m so tempted to call this one of a kind, as I’ve never seen another like it. Circa 1915 this antique silver locket features a chased and enameled flower motif on the lid, surrounded by an intricate filigree plique à jour border that resembles a halo of delicate purple petals. With accents of purple, green and white enamel, the locket opens to reveal space for one photo.

The icing is in what appears to be the original sterling "Y" chain, with its incredible purple glass stations overlaid with a sterling scroll design.

Details: The pendant is approximately 1 3/4" across, with the locket compartment itself 7/8" in diameter. The chain measures 27" long with the drop of the pendant chain 5" long, including the clip that holds the pendant. Marked on the back D.R.G.M. #447806. Both chain and locket test for sterling silver.

Condition: In excellent condition with a light patina but no obvious scratches or wear to the enamel. The interior of the locket compartment retains a light gilding.

History: Plique-à-jour is French for " letting in the daylight", and it's an incredibly time consuming enameling technique requiring an advanced level of skill. Similar to cloisonné in that it uses defined areas for the fields of glass enamel powder to fire, but without the backing of metal to keep the material in place. Understandably there's a high rate of failed attempts but the resulting effect is that of stained glass. It's considered a lost art; although it is made today by some master craft studios (accompanied by a very hefty price tag) the refinement of the antique pieces is difficult to duplicate.