GOLAY FILS & STAHL 1905 Edwardian Enameled Miniature Watch 18Kt Gold & Diamonds
Edwardian enamel miniature watch by Golay Fils & Stahl.
This is a very fine miniature round pendant-watch, created in Geneve Switzerland during the Edwardian period by Golay Fils & Stahl, back in the 1905. The miniature watch was crafted in a round shape in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with accents in platinum for the settings of the fifty-four rose-cuts diamonds and is embellished with engine turned guilloche patterns which is topped with purplish glass enamel. The reverse is paint-enameled with an elegant dressed young lady facing back.
Golay Fils & Stahl
Golay Fils & Stahl is a family-owned jewelry and watch business in Geneva, Switzerland with a history dating back to 1829. Officially the firm was founded at 31, Quai des Bergues, Geneva in 1837 by Auguste Golay-Leresche, a clockmaker. The house was sold to Stahl around 1900, and the name became Golay Fils & Stahl. In the period from 1860 until 1930 there were two stores, the original in Geneva and one in Paris.
Movement: Mechanical hand-wingding.
Dial: Round, golden with black Arabic numerals and blued steel hands, with secondary dial for the seconds. Signed, Golay Fils & Stahl Geneve. Mount with convex glass.
Case: Round in 18kt yellow gold, enameled and diamonds set in platinum. Ring on top.
Diamonds: Mounted in a pave setting, with 52 European rose-cut diamonds, with a total of about 0.55 carats, H/I color, SI clarity.
Weight: Total of 15.2 Grams, (9.75 Dwt).
Measurements: 24.5 mm by 32 mm BY 6 mm (0.96 x 1.26 x 0.24 Inches).
The Edwardian era
Like the Georgian and Victorian eras before it, derives its name from the reign of the English King, Edward VII (1901-1910). Edwardian jewelry is known for representing femininity while incorporating a lot of the color white. Think of diamonds, pearls, and white metals like platinum and white gold. Diamonds often had an Old Mine or European cut, and sapphires were a popular choice for pop of color. They tended to be made from platinum and diamonds – the more, the merrier – and used fashionable, intricate techniques such as filigree and millegrain. Edwardian rings are works of art and are best worn alone or alongside a simple wedding band. Mill graining, a new decorative technique made possible using platinum, is featured often on Edwardian jewelry. Its border of delicate balls and ridges surrounding a gemstone or on the knife sharp edges of a design served to give jewelry a softer, lighter look.
Guilloché
This technique is used in fine jewelry to enhance the appearance of brooches, rings, and pendants. Guilloché enamel refers to metal pieces that have been given the Guilloché treatment and then covered with a translucent layer of enamel, giving the geometric patterns underneath the enamel a colorful hue.
Millegrain
This is a jewelry technique which refers to the textural effect of a close-set line of metal beads that are typically used as a border on the edges or bezels of jewelry.
Collateral: This pocket watch is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this Golay Fils & Stahl watch is very good. Besides the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. The 52 diamonds are secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and the authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: P111724MENM/.3653
