-Henry Blank & Co. 1900 Art Nouveau Enameled Necklace In 14Kt Gold With Pearls
An enameled necklace designed by Henry Blank & Co.
Beautiful antique necklace made during the American art nouveau period, back in the 1900. This pendant necklace was created in Newark New Jersey by the famed firm of Henry Blank & Company, (Cresarrow) back in the 1900. The amazing, rare piece has been designed with organic floriated patterns in solid yellow gold of 14 karats with high polished finish. The main piece is embellished with applications of polychromed glass enamels and accented with three natural pearls and one purple amethyst. The pendant is fitted with a links chain from the same period.
Mississippi River Pearls
Natural American pearls are among the oldest and rarest of universal gems. These pearls are found in many different species of mussels in our American rivers and lakes. The Mississippi River is known to have gifted the world with some of the rarest of gems. There have been pearls discovered in the Mississippi River, Tennessee River and many lakes and tributaries. The Native American people were covered in freshwater pearls when the new world was discovered by explorers in the 1400 and 1500s.
Amethyst: Mount in a bezel setting, with 1 round faceted cut (6 mm) of a natural vivid purple amethyst of 1.65 carats.
Pearls: Mounted in bars settings, with 2 natural round white pearls of 3 mm.
Pearl: Mounted as a drop, with 1 natural Mississippi river white pearl of 5 x 16 mm.
Weight: 8.75 Grams, (5.65 Dwt).
Chain length: 18.5 Inches, (47 Cm).
Measurements: 52 mm by 32 mm (2.05 x 1.26 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped inside the bale ring with a "C" intersected by an arrow, coined a "Cresarrow", and is followed by "14". The Cresarrow is the symbol of the famed jeweler Henry Blank. The maker's mark, the mark for the assay of the gold and signed, "HENRY BLANK & Co. 14kt".
The Cresarrow mark
The makers mark C with an arrow through it, was first used beginning in the year 1890 by the jewelry manufacturer N.E. Whiteside & Co. When Henry Blank became a partner in 1903 it became Whiteside and Blank and by 1917 it was Henry Blank & Co., and the makers mark remained the same for all periods of manufacture. This is a rare collectible item with great history, since Henry Blank himself survived the sinking of the Titanic. The company records are now held by the New Jersey Historical Society in Newark.
Collateral: This necklace is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this necklace is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. All parts are secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: N042624MCNM/.1640
