Guilloche Enamel and Sterling Art Nouveau Necklace by Charles Horner

This beautiful guilloche enamel and sterling necklace by Charles Horner dates from 1908 and bears the hallmarks of Chester, which was particularly well-known for its silver and gold craftsmen at the time.

Guilloche enamel is exquisitely rare and its very nature makes it hard to find specimens in good condition. The craftsman uses a specialist machine to meticulously carve patterns into the piece, with the resulting pattern then being overlaid with glass enamel. This leads to a translucent effect as well as dazzling play of colour over the necklace.

The precision and delicacy of Guilloche work perfectly fit Art Nouveau's aesthetic ideals of the time, while the beautiful colours achieved through enamelwork lent itself well to the naturalistic designs. 

Charles Horner was a pre-eminent designer in Chester and his lovely necklaces and brooches are amongst the best examples of art nouveau jewelry. The lavalier design of this particular necklace perfectly frame one’s neck and collar bones, with beautiful art nouveau flourishes as the finishing touch.