- 133
Gold necklace, Louis Wièse, circa 1890
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
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Description
- 18 carat gold
Suspending an open work pendant of foliate Gothic design, to a chain composed of oval and foliate links, length approximately 750mm, French assay and maker's marks.
Literature
Cf: Charlotte Gere and Judy Rudoe, ‘Jewellery in the Age of Queen Victoria’, London 2010, page 364 for similar examples of a Gothic revival jewels by Wièse.
Condition
Stamped with French assay marks for 18 carat gold and import marks. Maker's mark WIESE in a lozenge with a star above and below. Strong spring to ring bolt clasp. Weight approximately 70.5 grams. Scratches to metal consistent with age and wear. In good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Louis Wièse (1852-1923) went to considerable lengths to give his jewels the appearance of age. His revivalist pieces were treated with mercury oxide, producing a reddish patina intended to give the impression that the jewels were ancient artefacts recovered from the ground. Using high carat gold and sometimes deliberately making pieces misshapen added to the allusion that jewels could be ancient were it not for the Wièse signature on the piece. The inspiration for this Gothic foliate designed piece would have been taken from architectural details and sculpture or possibly from prints by the 15th Century German artist Martin Schongauer.