Berlin iron necklace

A Neoclassical Berlin iron necklace, circa 1820, purchased in Berlin. During the first half of the 19th century, fer de Berlin, cast iron jewellery, achieved world renown. Thanks to superb designs and a perfected method of production, small works of art were created in a base metal that had formerly only been used for architectural and industrial  applications. This fine quality Berlin iron necklace, circa 1820, is comprised of Berlin cameo plaques with classical and mythological subjects, on polished steel backplates. The individual narrative elements are encircled by coiled iron surrounds that were cast separately and later joined, creating a silhouette effect. The necklace is 16 inches long and immaculate. For similar, see Plate 185 in Schmuttermeier’s Cast Iron from Central Europe 1800 -1850.

£1750