Antique Plique-á-Jour Silver and Enamel Pendant with Diamonds and Rubies, Art Nouveau c. 1900

Sometimes when I’m shopping in Europe I come across a piece of jewelry that I absolutely must have. I just can’t help myself in a way, I’m so overwhelmed by the beauty, the history, the rarity, and the artistry of a piece that once i pick it up and hold I find I just can’t put it down. This was such a piece. I was shopping in Amsterdam, in the sunny window of my friend Lenore’s shop was hanging this most amazing Plique-á-jour pendant, it’s enamel glowing in the sunlight, it’s diamonds and rubies sparkling and winking with even the slightest movement. The flowers and leaves were so cheery that I almost forgot the cold winter wind of the day.Plique-á-jour, French for 'light of day', was a form of enameling where cells were created within the metalwork of a piece of jewelry and then these cells were filled with enamel and the whole piece was then fired, forming a stained glass like effect out of enamel. The process is difficult and time consuming, but when done correctly, the results are