Object Description
For sale is this really stunning, understated, gold pendant set with purple, blue green opal plaques. The pendant is attributed to Liberty & Co and probably designed by Archibald Knox. See my new research on these designs published on my website.
Also see item A434 in my Archive for a similarly designed Liberty bracelet.
The pendant is unmarked and is most likely 15 carat gold. The use of “cloissone style” opal plaques is typically only seen in Archibald Knox’s work for Liberty. Examples can be seen in necklace model 8202 and pendant models 1382 and 1113 in Dr Steve Martin’s book on Archibald Knox, second edition, pages 246-7. Th gold heart design is also seen on period art nouveau Liberty jewellery and is on ring models 4162 and 4117 in the same book, page 263. Overall I am confident this is a Liberty Knox pendant.
The pendant is in very good condition. Visible only under magnification are tiny elements of chips or cracks to one or two of the opal plaques, commensurate with the pendants age. The chain is modern and it is possible the bezel is not original though it is certainly old. There is some discolouration to the base of the pearl, not visible when worn.