Rare, Antique, French 18ct Gold, Madonna (Virgin Mary) 'Plique a jour' Blue Enamel Religious Pendant

This wonderful, and rare religious pendant is crafted from solid 18ct Gold.  It features the Madonna, surrounded by a cobalt blue, 'Plique a Jour' enamel background.

Signed by its maker, Pierly' on its face, it features a beautiful fleur de lys flower on its reverse. The fleur-de-lis, meaning "lily flower" in French was a symbol of purity and fertility, and for some Christians, symbolized the Immaculate Conception.   The back also bears engraving of the date, 24th May 1925, making this medal 100 years old.  There is a fairly illegible mark on the bale, which is the french eagle, for 18ct Gold.  

“Plique-à-jour” technique translates loosely as  "letting in daylight" and it looks very similar to the stained glass effect one sees in churches.  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.

This fabulous pendant measures 2.8cm x 1.9cm (including the bale) and weighs 5.47g.   It remains in beautiful 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.