Posted 9 years ago
Agram.m
(762 items)
Two very fine cute Niello (Silver) brooches.
Niello is an ancient method of ornamentation. The lines of the design are cut in a disk of silver, which is then completely covered with a black composition consisting of copper, silver, and lead. A little borax is sprinkled on, and the whole disk is subjected to heat. After cooling, the top surface is scraped and burnished, leaving the black composition in the design lines.
I.
The French Lily with gold band marked with V (Dutch script-letter V; duty mark for imported gold and silver objects, the V for the Dutch word ˜vreemd" which translate to foreign. It was intended for imported objects only. It was however sometimes by mistake used on old objects of national origin. Used 1906-1953.
II
Clovers with gold stars and gold beads. Marked 800 for silver. I cannot date.
You have the nicest things.
Efesgirl you are too friendly, thanks and for love of course.
vetraio50, kyratango and valentino97 thanks for love.
Lovely Agram, and thanks for explaining the term Niello. I often see it associated with Siamese pieces but didn't realise it was made by others too.
Love these and appreciate you for describing these so that I now know what that black is! I didn't know what it was before but felt strongly that it wasn't enamel. Thanks so much!
racer4fout and shareurpassion, you're welcome and I'm glad you put the explanations on price. It is the intention that we, as collectors of CW will be wiser. So we can help each other. Thanks anyway for your nice comments and loves.
aura thanks for your interest and love.