Berlin iron cameo necklace

A Berlin iron cameo necklace, circa 1815. It is comprised of Berlin iron cameo plaques joined by festoons of Berlin iron chain. The transformation of cast iron, a dark metal of little value, into a fashionable product was an important Prussian manufacturing success. Berlin foundries  became adept at casting delicate, ethereal parts which could be assembled to create jewellery. The individual elements would have been cast on a casting tree and then assembled. The cameos on this necklace depict various figures from classical mythology. The necklace is 19 inches long with an integral Berlin cameo clasp. The largest cameo front centre measures one inch by 3/4 of an inch and the smallest cameos before the clasp measure 3/4 of an inch by 2/3 of an inch. In immaculate, rust free condition.

sold
Item ref : GS4

Berlin iron casting tree below