DATE: Antique, c.1780

Quimper, pronounced “cam-pair” has been manufactured in Quimper, a town in Brittany, France for over 300 years. Created in 1690 at the time of the royal manufactures, they specialised in earthenware- tableware, interior decoration and also a line of elegant jewellery. Earthenware is glazed or unglazed pottery that has normally been fired below 1,200 degrees. Earlier stoneware was carefully marked because of government regulations, however for the most part Quimper pottery was not systematically marked until around 1870. 

This amazing piece dates to around 1780. The rivière style necklace is made up of hearts, with lovely enamel portraits. As you go along each portrait, a small story is told, well matched with the hearts. They're set in place with claw settings, linked together by two fine chains and it fastens with a hook and eye type clasp. It has a wearable length of 16 inches and remains in incredible condition considering it's age, 

MEASUREMENTS 

Wearable length: 16 inches 

Hearts: 1.6 x 1.5cm

WEIGHT 

44.94g

MARKS 

No marks present, tests as base metal 

CONDITION 

Very good, with gorgeous antique patina