What is plique a jour enamel jewellery?

Plique a jour enamel jewellery consists of decorative metalwork where transparent enamel fills open wire cells without a solid backing. This construction lets light shine directly through the coloured glass. Most surviving examples date from the Art Nouveau period around 1900. They take the form of pendants, brooches, and necklaces made in silver or gold.

How do I wear a plique a jour pendant?

These pendants work best suspended on a simple metal chain that matches the tone of the setting. Placing them against plain fabrics allows the translucent enamel to catch the light effectively. Because the enamel cells lack a backing, care should be taken to avoid impact against hard surfaces. Storing them in dedicated boxes prevents accidental pressure on the openwork frame.

How do I tell Art Nouveau from later pieces?

Art Nouveau and Jugendstil pieces from 1900 rely on flowing organic lines, floral motifs, and naturalistic insect or fairy subjects. These early works often combine silver gilt with seed pearls and amethyst. Pieces from the 1920s and 1930s tend to feature more structured or religious imagery, such as French pendant medals depicting the Virgin Mary. The metal frames in later items are frequently rendered in 18k yellow gold.

What metals are used in these designs?

The listings feature pieces constructed from sterling silver, silver gilt, 15ct yellow gold, and 18k yellow gold. Gold is particularly common in French religious pendant medals from the early decades of the twentieth century. Silver and silver gilt appear frequently in German and English Art Nouveau creations. These white and gilt metals are often paired with gemstones like chrysoprase, peridot, and citrine.

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Plique a Jour Enamel Jewellery

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Plique a jour enamel jewellery holds the light like stained glass, bringing translucent colour to wearable pendants and brooches.

Art Nouveau Silver + Plique a Jour Enamel Butterfly Pendant by Martin Mayer

1900 - 1920

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Art Nouveau Silver + Plique a Jour Enamel Butterfly Pendant by Martin Mayer

From Morgan Strickland Decorative Arts

£895

3+ MONTHS AGO

jewellery

Art Nouveau Silver, Chrysoprase and Plique a Jour Enamel Pendant by Ludwig Knupfer for Theodor Fahrner

1900 - 1920

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Art Nouveau Silver, Chrysoprase and Plique a Jour Enamel Pendant by Ludwig Knupfer for Theodor Fahrner

From Morgan Strickland Decorative Arts

£2,400

3+ MONTHS AGO

jewellery

Art Nouveau Silver, Plique a Jour and Mother of Pearl Enamel Pendant Brooch Attributed to Meyle & Meyer

1900 - 1920

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Art Nouveau Silver, Plique a Jour and Mother of Pearl Enamel Pendant Brooch Attributed to Meyle & Meyer

From Morgan Strickland Decorative Arts

£950

3+ MONTHS AGO

jewellery

Rare Arts & Crafts Silver, Chrysoprase, Pearl and Plique À Jour Pendant for Liberty & Co, England C1900

1900 - 1920

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Rare Arts & Crafts Silver, Chrysoprase, Pearl and Plique À Jour Pendant for Liberty & Co, England C1900

From Morgan Strickland Decorative Arts

£1,450

3+ MONTHS AGO

jewellery

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Plique a Jour Enamel Jewellery

Art Nouveau Silver + Plique a Jour Enamel Butterfly Pendant by Martin Mayer

Art Nouveau Silver, Chrysoprase and Plique a Jour Enamel Pendant by Ludwig Knupfer for Theodor Fahrner

Art Nouveau Silver, Plique a Jour and Mother of Pearl Enamel Pendant Brooch Attributed to Meyle & Meyer

Rare Arts & Crafts Silver, Chrysoprase, Pearl and Plique À Jour Pendant for Liberty & Co, England C1900

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