-Hedges & Co. 1905 Art Nouveau Pansy Flowers Stud Earrings In 14Kt Gold With Pearls
Art nouveau Pansy flower earrings designed by A.J. Hedge & Co.
Beautiful colorful pair of earrings, created in America during the Edwardian and the Art Nouveau periods, back in the 1905. These unique earrings has been carefully crafted by A.J. Hedge & Co in the shape of pansy flowers in solid yellow gold of 14 karats with satin and polished finishes. They are embellished with applications of non-glossy powder enamel, with colors gradations of pink, 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. They are fitted at the reverse with the original butterfly push backs.
Pearls: Mounted in the center in four-prongs settings, with 2 round white pearls of 1.5 mm.
Weight: 2.45 Grams (1.57 Dwt).
Measurements: 9 mm by 9 mm by 3 mm (0.35 x 0.35 x 0.12 Inches).
Hallmarks: They are both 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 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).
The Edwardian Jewelry
This 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: These earrings are accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of these earrings are excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. The pearls are secured in the setting and the enamel is perfect. This pair has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: E030624ASSJ/.0459
