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Q. 3rd of 7 parts on estate and period jewelry. |
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| A. The Art Nouveau Period (1890 – 1910) was built upon the release of emotions and artistic freedoms that were held back until the death of Queen Victoria. Nouveau Jewelry are truly works of art. Not merely items of adornment. The styles are full of imagination and artistic beauty.
Common themes of The Art Nouveau Period are life-forms, Orchids, irises, snakes, dragonflies, animal and human forms. Along with the creative energy came a mastery of technique in casting and carving of gold as well as the extensive use of enameling as never seen before. The single most important technique used by Art Nouveau designers was enameling. The type of enameling used most often was known as Plique a'jour. Plique a'jour is defined as enameling that is transparent with no backing. The effect most often achieved by Plique a'jour enameling is likened to that of stained glass. The technique of applying this type of enameling was extremely difficult and very popular because it exemplified the jeweler's skill and artistry. This effect gave Art Nouveau jewelry a distinctive appearance much like a three dimensional |
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