French platinum and enamel diamond set lever Circa 1900

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French platinum, enamel and diamond set lever Circa 1900

French platinum, enamel and diamond set lever Circa 1900French platinum, enamel and diamond set lever Circa 1900

Kenmerk: SA3414
Diameter: -

Estimate: € 8.000 - 16.000
Price sold: -

Platinum and diamond set pendant watch
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A French platinum and diamond set lever pendant watch with a black grosgrain necklace featuring a diamond set platinum wreath, circa 1900. Manuel winding lever movement.
Silvered dial with Arabic hours and outer minute divisions. The case with blue basse taille enamel on both sides, on the back an oval central cameo depicting a neoclassical winged putto surrounded by a platinum and diamond set rim.
Signed dial, case numbered.

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Dimensions: 33 x 25.5 mm
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Signed: Van Cleef & Arpels
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Van Cleef & Arpels. Alfred Van Cleef and his father in law, Saloman Arpels founded the company in 1896. In 1906, following Arpels’ death, Alfred and two of his brothers in law, Charles and Julien, acquired space for Van Cleef & Arpels at 22 Place Vendôme, Paris, across from the Hôtel Ritz, where Van Cleef & Arpels opened its first boutique. Van Cleef and Arpels are considered one of the most elite jewellery houses and design firms.

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This piece is in a very well preserved condition. Numbered with French hallmarks and signed. The cameo in the centre of the case back is designed with a neoclassical motif of an angel or winged putto which was a common theme during this period. As one of the firm’s earlier creations, this example incorporates a unique form of enamelling known as basse taille to create a monochromatic or metallic enamel finish which is often used to illustrate the shape of the piece being crafted. Additionally, the pendant hangs from a delicate milgrain platinum and diamond set wreath which is also very indicative of the timeframe stylistic designs that were based on the elements of leaves and other shapes found in nature.
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Basse taille is an enamelling technique in which the artist creates a low relief pattern in metal, usually silver or gold, by engraving or chasing. The entire pattern is created in such a way that its highest point is lower than the surrounding metal. A translucent enamel is then applied to the metal, allowing light to reflect from the relief and creating an artistic effect. It was used in the late Middle Ages, and then again in the 17th century.

Signed: Van Cleef & Arpels