"Plique A Jour" in French means "braid letting in daylight". The term refers to the technique in which enamel is applied in cells, similar to cloisonné, but with no backing. This allows light to shine through the transparent or translucent enamel and form a beautiful stained-glass like appearance.

A fabulous plique-à-jour watch key pendant from the Art Nouveau (ca1900) period! This delicate piece is made of sterling silver and depicts an earthy enamel design. The pendant, which was originally used as a winding watch key, is framed with a flowing sterling border, which comes to a point at the bottom with two sterling spheres. At the center top of the pendant is a bezel set, faceted sapphire stone. Surrounding the sapphire is a gorgeous enamel design, with hues of blue and green. At the bottom is the sterling cylinder which would have been placed in a pocket watch to wind the mechanism. The plique-à-jour watch key hangs from a platinum chain which is from the 1920's. Bezel set within the chain are 4 faceted ceylon sapphires which compliment the pendant beautifully. The back of the pendant is stamped "STERLING", along with a butterfly shaped hallmark. This gorgeous pendant would make a wonderful addition to any collection!

Measurements: The pendant hangs approximately 1 3/8" long, slightly more than 1" at the widest point and has a depth of less than 1/8”. The chain measures approximately 18” long.

Condition: The overall condition of the pendant is excellent. Besides normal surface wear, there is no apparent damage to the sterling setting, the platinum chain, or to the enameling and all of the sapphires are intact.