David Andersen Gilt Sterling Silver Guilloche Enamel Art Deco Flower Bracelet and Necklace Demi Parure Set Circa 1888-1925

Measurements: Bracelet: 7.8"L x .4"W (20.32cm x 1.02cm) Clasped: 7.5"R (19.05cm)

Necklace: 16.25"L x .5"W (41.26cm x 1.27cm) Clasped: 16"R (40.64cm)

Markings: 925S with the 2nd David Andersen Maker's Mark (1888-1925)

Weight: 54.4g

What an incredible find! Not only is this one of David Andersen's most iconic bracelet and necklace designs, the maker's mark dates it between 1888-1925. This could have actually been made by David Andersen himself before he died in 1901.

Additionally to find a set in such impeccable condition from this era is such a rare treat. I'm also inclined to believe this may have been a special commission or made for someone of significance, due to the fact that it was made in 925 sterling silver, and not 830 silver that was more prevalent during that time period. 

All of the enamel is fully intact, crisp and bright with no damage of any kind. There is only minor wear to gilding on the back of each piece. The hidden box clasps work perfectly. It's mind blowing to know that this set is somewhere between 100 to 136 years old! It has obviously been properly stored and preserved meticulously by the estate owner it was purchased from. A superb museum quality demi parure set worthy of the finest rare jewelry collections.

Mannequin is a life-size torso representation

The company was founded in Christiania (now Oslo), Norway by David Andersen in 1876. Andersen (1843-1901) was a gold and silversmith with a keen sense of quality and the high standards of his workmanship brought early success to the firm. By 1888, Andersen was able to expand his workshop into a steam powered plant and a second retail location was opened in Oslo in 1892.
David Andersen died in 1901, his son, Arthur Andersen, took the reins of the firm at that time. Arthur instituted some important changes, he decided to hyphenate the family name to David-Andersen, and as chief designer, he introduced the use of enameling on the company's gold and silver jewelry as well as hollowware. The new line was so successful that enamelled jewelry has become nearly synonymous with the David-Andersen name. The firm has remained a family business and is now run by members of the fourth generation, Uni and Jon David-Andersen.