-Hedges And Co. 1900 Art Nouveau Enameled Pansy Pendant Brooch In 14Kt Gold
Edwardian enameled convertible flower brooch designed by A. J. Hedges.
Beautiful three-dimensional five-petals pansy flower, created in New Jersey North America during the Edwardian and the Art Nouveau periods, back between the 1900-1910. This convertible pendant-brooch has been carefully crafted at the A. J. Hedges workshops in solid yellow gold of 14 karats with high polished finish.
The flower petals are embellished with applications of non glossy powder enamel with a color gradations from blue to white-cream. The enamel work is exceptional and meticulous, far exceeding the details of the fibers and veins of the leaves. It is an amazing jewel with exquisite and exceptional details. Pansies and flowers symbolize a hope that love should not be forgotten. Fitted at the reverse with a horizontal hinged pin bar and a mechanical hook to wear as a brooch.
Diamond: Mount in the center in a six-prongs setting, with 1 old European round cut diamond of about 0.10 carats, F/G color, VS-2 clarity.
Weight: 11.3 Grams (7.25 Dwt).
Measurements: 32 mm by 33 mm by 8 mm (1.25 x 1.26 x 0.32 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark H associated to A. J. Hedges, the mark for the assay of the 14kt gold and signed "H. 14KT".
A.J. Hedge & Co.
The company was founded by Andrew J. Hedges, Wallace M. Hedges, and John Obrig in 1877 in Newark, New Jersey. AJ Hedges turned into one of the largest and most prominent manufacturers of Victorian and Edwardian Jewelry in the United States. Andrew Jackson Hedges (1828-1902) started his jewelry career early in 1837 when he started with Alling, Hall, and Dodd (later Hall and Dodd) founded their firm, then he left and began working for Aaron Carter in 1844 before opening his own firm shortly there after. In 1862 Hedges partnered with Moses Field and together they made up Field & Co. Hedges left the company when Field passed away in 1865 and joined Daniel Colton, Chester Colton, and Daniel Baker to create their own manufacturing jewelry firm. This partnership was short lived and after a year Hedges left to join David Dodd to create Dodd and Hedges in 1866. The partnership worked and the business grew over the next 11 years adding a showroom at Maiden Lane in New York City. In 1877 Hedges took control (officially Jan 1 1878) and named the firm A.J. Hedges and Co having a manufacturing jewelry company in Newark at 90 Mechanic Street in Newark and the location on Maiden lane. The company changed locations a few times both on Maiden Lane from 9 to 6 and also in Newark outgrowing their location several times. Wallace M Hedges (his brother) and John Obrig joined the firm and they continued to grow. Obrig retired from the company just two years later in 1900. Andrew Passed away November 10, 1902 at 74 years old and was said by the New York times to be "the pioneer jewelry manufacturer in that city" referring to Newark which was the largest and most important jewelry manufacturing city in the county. AJ Hedges JR took control of the company and partnered W. M. Kaas who was a former employee. They ran the company until Kaas passed away in 1916 growing greatly since the onset. Andrew Jr ran the business successfully and passed it to the third generation who ran it until sometime after 1950 when the firm closed for good. The firm became one of the largest and most important jewelry manufacturers in Newark Jewelry history and until recently was relatively forgotten/ (from Velvet society with thanks).
Edwardian Jewelry
The Edwardian Jewelry Period was during the King Edward VII, after whom this period of jewelry history is named, reigned over England for only nine years, yet the style of jewelry known as “Edwardian” was created roughly between 1890 and 1920. Edwardian-era rings tend to be larger, opulent pieces, and stacked ring designs were popular. The metal surfaces of the rings were often diamond-encrusted for additional shimmer. Each of these rings is a work of art, showcasing a bygone era of grace, elegance and the royalty the Edwardian era is named for.
Collateral: This piece is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this brooch is impeccable. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. The diamond is secured in the setting and the enamel is perfect. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: P012024XOTN/.2120
