Early French Renaissance Revival 18K Gold, Enamel Parrot Necklace

An extraordinary early 19th century French necklace comprising a triple pendant hanging from a fancy chain. The chain features arched plaques alternating with three-dimensional plaques displaying sculpted gold parrots in bright translucent enamel colors sitting atop turquoise cabochons amidst ornate gold foliage and flowers. The arched plaques are engraved in a floral pattern and enhanced with complimentary champleve enamels. The center of the chain suspends two plaques with parrot motifs terminating in a third smaller plaque at the bottom. The plaques are attached with hooks, so the necklace can be worn with one, two, or all three suspended elements. The plaques and the parrot sections are attached with chains made in the form of roses. The box clasp is also enhanced with translucent champleve enamel. French jewels of this type were more often made in Savoy and the Mediterranean region near what is now the Italian border. The style borrows heavily from the Italian Renaissance and Italian goldsmithing techniques of the period. Stamped with a later 18K gold mark that was added at some point for purposes of taxation.

• Origin: France, ca. 1815
• Condition: very good, some enamel loss to arched plaques and clasp
• Length: 17-1/4” (43.5 cm)
• Maximum Drop Length: 4-3/4” (12.0 cm)
• Weight: 19.2 g