Silver Plique a Jour
Silver plique a jour pieces bring translucent enamel light into pendants and brooches.
Silver Plique a Jour
Silver plique a jour items belong to the nineteen hundred period and showcase the Art Nouveau, Jugendstil and Arts and Crafts styles. Buyers seeking silver plique a jour discover delicate jewellery forms designed to catch the light through transparent coloured cells.
The objects listed take the form of pendants, necklaces and brooches featuring natural motifs like flowers and butterflies. Pendants and brooches dominate the selection, often combining silver or silver gilt with gemstone accents.
What varies in quality
The refinement of the wire framework and the clarity of the vitreous enamel dictate the standard of each piece. Superior examples display flawless enamel cells free from cloudiness or heavy metal distortion.
The choice of accompanying gemstones, such as matched pearls or well cut amethysts and chrysoprase, elevates the distinction of the jewellery. Attribution to known workshops also separates standard production from finer creations.
Silver Plique a Jour Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for silver plique a jour among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Flower fairy motifs bring tiny winged spirits directly into the enamel gardens.
Levinger and Bissinger·Heinrich Levinger·Meyle and Mayer·Eduard Loss·Martin Mayer·Theodor Fahrner·Liberty and Co
The Silver Plique a Jour Glossary
- Plique a jour
- An enamelling technique where enamel is applied in cells without a backing, resembling miniature stained glass. It lets light shine straight through the transparent material.
- Vitreous enamel
- Glass fused to metal through high temperature firing. This material provides the durable, glossy colour found in the cells.
- Silver gilt
- Silver covered with a thin layer of gold. This treatment gives the metal a warm tone that enhances the coloured enamel.
- Jugendstil
- The continental European version of the Art Nouveau movement. It shares the organic, flowing lines seen in British and German silver work.
- Chrysoprase
- A gemstone variety of chalcedony containing nickel, known for its apple green colour. It frequently appears alongside enamel work in this period.
Silver Plique a Jour: Frequently Asked Questions
What is plique a jour enamel?
Plique a jour is an enamelling technique that creates transparent cells of coloured glass without a solid backing.
This method allows light to shine directly through the work, resembling miniature stained glass windows.
How do I wear a plique a jour pendant?
These pendants hang from delicate silver chains to let natural light pass through the enamel cells.
Positioning the piece against clothing or skin changes how the transparent colours appear to the eye.
What periods do these pieces come from?
The available pieces originate from the nineteen hundred period, embracing Art Nouveau and Jugendstil aesthetics.
Designs from this era focus on organic forms, flowing curves and floral subjects.
How should I care for silver plique a jour jewellery?
Store each item separately in a soft pouch to protect the delicate wirework and enamel cells from pressure.
Avoid harsh chemical dips and ultrasonic cleaners that might damage the vitreous enamel or set pearls.