Signed Antique Victorian Napoleon III chain necklace. 18k yellow gold. Made in France, last quarter of the 19th century by Louis Wiese. (see story below).
Measurements:
Weight is 33.5 grams. 27 1/4 inches (69cm) long.
Description :
Sturdy chain necklace. The predominant loops are oval in shape. Larger rope twist, corded links alternate with smoother, smaller gold links.
6 stations with Renaissance inspired motifs of mirror-image scrolling design. High magnification shows that each link is slightly different to the others, indicating the extent of the detail in this work.
Original toggle clasp: Toggle bar with skittle shaped sides and stoppers on the end to prevent the bar from slipping out of the loop. Sturdy, gold oval loop.
As suitable to wear today as it was almost 150 years ago. Classic, versatile, elegant.
Marks and Metal:
Signed with both French gold mark for 18k gold and Wiese mark for Louis Wiese. Loop of clasp with lozenge mark WIESE. The 5th station from the loop (2nd from the bar of the clasp) is signed WIESE. The bar of the clasp has a faded (but legible) eagle head mark or 18k gold made in Paris.
Condition:
Good with negligible wear commensurate with age. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.
THE STORY:
Louis Wièse (1852–1923) was the son of Jules Wièse (1818–1890), the German‑born master goldsmith who immigrated to Paris, becoming one of the most respected and sought after jewelers of his day. He began by working for other major names such as Froment-Meurice, but eventually set up shop with his own name. He was especially famed and admired for his revivalist jewelry. His son, Louis inherited the workshop in 1880. French jewelry by Wiese, first Jules and then Louis, was especially known for the richly detailed Neo‑Renaissance, Neo‑Gothic, and Archaeological Revival designs. Louis continuing and expanding the family’s reputation for historically inspired craftsmanship.
Today, jewelry by either Jules or Louis Wiese is relatively rare and highly sought after by serious antique jewelry collectors.
