Berlin Iron necklace signed Geiss c.1810.
Composed of exquisitely fine miniature cast iron elements from one of the most famous foundries to produce this jewellery, the classic central trefoil combines acanthus and architectural inspiration. Geiss signed to the clasp.
Length 17inches.
Immaculate condition.
(The earrings pictured are listed separately.)
Berlin iron jewellery symbolised patriotism in Prussia against Napoleon in the early c19th originating at the Royal Ironworks at Gleiwitz in 1806.Reputedly in 1814 no less than forty thousand pieces of iron jewellery were made.
Johann Conrad Geiss, born 1771 – died 1846 and Karl Friedrich Schinkel (1781–1841) were both leading German designers of the period and were responsible for some of the best Berlin Iron jewellery designs, it is highly likely that this example originated in their studios