HEDGES & CO. 1910 Art Nouveau Enameled Orchid Pendant Brooch In 14Kt Gold & Pearl
Art Nouveau enameled convertible orchid brooch designed by A. J. Hedges.
This is an exceptional convertible pendant and brooch of an Orchid flower, created in New Jersey United States at the A. J. Hedges Co. workshops, back in the 1910. The beautiful art nouveau piece was masterfully crafted in three dimensions in solid yellow gold of 14 karats with high polished finish. The orchid's petals are embellished with applications of semi-glossy enamels with color gradations of pink, yellow and white. The brooch is fitted at the reverse with a horizontal hinged pin bar with a mechanical look to wear as a brooch and a ring to wear as a pendant in chain.
The enameled work of this unusual orchid is exceptional and meticulous, far exceeding the details of the fibers and veins of the leaves. It is an amazing jewel with exquisite details. Pansy flowers, orchids and all flowers in general symbolize a hope that love should not be forgotten.
Pearl: Accented in the center with 1 round white pearl of 4 mm.
Weight: 16.30 Grams (10.45 Dwt).
Measurements: 46 mm by 43 mm by 10 mm (1.81 x 1.70 x 0.39 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark H associated with A. J. Hedges, the mark for the assay of the 14kt gold and signed as follow; "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 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 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 orchid pendant brooch is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this Hedge & Co. brooch is impeccable. Besides the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. The pearl and the enamels are secured in the setting and the enamel is perfect. This brooch has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: P102124BINM/.3056
