Arts & Crafts -- Arthur and Georgie Gaskin Blue Bird Pendant

I just spent a wonderful week in the UK and had the opportunity to visit loads of museums, but also to go shopping. The best of the best was the Tadema Gallery where I met the owners, Sonya and David Newell-Smith. Charming, educated, helpful! I got to view and try on some amazing examples of the best A&C pieces.

The one I purchased is this super Arthur and Georgie Gaskin blue bird pendant. Set in silver and gold with black opals, pink tourmalines and pearls. in a floral design with two blue birds. It is c.1909 and in a fitted case.

Literature: cf. Jewellery The International Era, Shirley Bury, vol II Illustrated: The book's title page & p.637. Arthur & Georgie Gaskin, City Museum & Art Gallery, Birmingham, 1982, cat. G57 & G67 for comparison of the bird motif. Arthur Gaskin and his wife Georgie were book illustrators, designers and jewelers. In the main they made necklaces and pendants, with fine chains and delicate designs which featured flowers and foliage, also interspersed with birds, as seen in this necklace. Their inspiration came from Flemish and Northern French traditional jewelry.