Necklace

Augustus F. Rose, Necklace, 1917, sterling silver with blue enamel and opal, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Elizabeth A. Rose, 1999.51
Copied Augustus F. Rose, Necklace, 1917, sterling silver with blue enamel and opal, 6 344 3418 in. (17.112.00.4 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Elizabeth A. Rose, 1999.51
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Necklace
Date
1917
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
6 344 3418 in. (17.112.00.4 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Elizabeth A. Rose
Mediums Description
sterling silver with blue enamel and opal
Classifications
Object Number
1999.51

Artwork Description

To create this necklace Augustus Rose embellished pieces of silver with blue and green enamel, then joined them together with tiny chains and links. The flickers of color in the large opal echo the hues of the enamel, focusing our attention on the center of the necklace, which would rest at the base of the wearer’s throat. The delicate loops of silver evoke a spider’s web, and the shimmering enamel resembles drops of water caught between the fine threads. The design recalls the Arts and Crafts movement of the early twentieth century, which emphasized rich, natural colors and shapes taken from landscape and foliage.