Rare, Vintage, French 18ct Gold, Floral 'Plique a jour' Enamel Pendant / Medal

This is a wonderful, and difficult to find vintage french pendant /medal, from the 1920s. Crafted from solid 18ct Gold, it features vibrant tones of red, blue and green, 'Plique a Jour' enamel arranged in a floral design.

“Plique-à-jour” technique translates loosely as "letting in daylight" and it looks very similar to the stained glass effect one sees in many church windows. It is a very difficult enameling technique where glass like enamel is applied in cells, similar to cloisonné but has no backing. After first being discovered in the 15th century by Benvenuto Cellini, plique-à-jour became popular again in France in the Art Nouveau period and continued well into the 1940s.

The bale is marked with an eagle's head, the french mark for 18ct Gold. Although the date on the pendant is not shown, it is likely that this pendant was made between 1910 and 1930, when this type of design was enjoying a revival in France.

This fabulous and ujnique pendant measures 2.7g x 3.1 cm and weighs a hefty 6g. It remains in beautiful and condition, with its stunning Plique-à-jour enamel in prefect condition with no chips.

Please have a look at the photos and video and dont hesitate to get in touch if you require any further information.