Antique 18K plique à jour enamel signed SELLIER Virgin Mary pendant

In front of us a wonderful antique 18k gold medal of the Virgin Mary backed on blue (two tones of blue marine and of sky blue) and green plique à jour enamels. Not only the enamel is exceptional to look at, but the geometric window background also shows great details and refinement, which is rare today. The medal pendant bears the inscription VIRGO at the bottom and is signed by “SELLIER”.

Plique-à-jour (French for "letting in daylight") is an exceptional vitreous enameling technique where the enamel is applied in cells, with no backing in the final product, so light can shine through the transparent or translucent enamel. We see it quite often as a part of the historical church ornament. The technique was revived in the late 19th century movement of revivalist jewellery, and became especially popular during the Art Nouveau era.

The back of the pendant is not engraved. It is stamped with the French eagle’s head hallmark for 18K gold on the bale with a maker’s mark.

Measurements and Condition

In overall very good antique condition align with its age; slight traces of use on the metal.

Hallmarked with French Eagle’s head for 18K gold on the bale.

Length including the bail: 38mm

Length excluding the bail: 30mm

Width: 19mm

Weight: 4.9g