-Hedges & Co. 1900 Art Nouveau Purple Enamel Pansy Brooch In 14Kt Gold and Pearl
Art nouveau Pansy flower pendant brooch designed by A.J. Hedge & Co.
A colorful pendant-brooch, created in America during the Edwardian and the Art Nouveau periods, back in the 1900. This piece is very unique and has been carefully crafted by A.J. Hedge & Co in the shape of a pansy flower in solid yellow gold of 14 karats with satin and polished finishes. It is embellished with a white pearl and applications of non-glossy powder enamel, with colors gradations of dark purple, purple, white and a hint of yellow. The enamel work is exceptional and meticulous, far exceeding the details of the fibers and veins of the leaves. It is a little jewel with exquisite and exceptional details, Pansies flowers symbolize a hope that love should not be forgotten. It is fitted at the reverse with a horizontal hinged pin bar with a mechanical lock to wear as a brooch
Art Nouveau Jewelry
The Art Nouveau jewelry was created in France between about 1895 and 1910. This is a style of jewelry that features natural forms and curving lines, inspired by the Symbolist Movement and the Arts and Crafts Movement. Art Nouveau jewelry often incorporates floral and animalistic motifs, textured surfaces, asymmetry, and striking color combinations. A common theme in Art Nouveau jewelry is the female form, especially in cameos. Art Nouveau jewelry is unique, influential, and valuable. Art Nouveau jewelry is a distinct artistic style that emerged in the late 19th century and reached its peak of popularity around the turn of the 20th century. It was a reaction against the prevailing artistic norms of the time and emphasized fluid lines, natural forms, and intricate details. The defining features of Art Nouveau jewelry are asymmetry, textured surfaces, floral and animalistic motifs, a mix of precious metals, and striking color combinations.
Pearl: Mount in a bar setting, with 1 round white pearl of 4 mm.
Weight: 13.60 Grams (8.75 Dwt).
Measurements: 38 mm by 36 mm by 9 mm (1.50 x 1.42 x 0.35 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's monogram mark associated to A.J. Hedge & Co., the mark for the assay of the gold and signed, "AJH 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 thereafter. 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).
Collateral: This piece is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this brooch is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. The pearl is secured in the setting and the enamel is perfect. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: P051124MAAT/.2559
