Necklace
This chain link silver-gilt necklace is composed of circular double links with a simple hook and eye closure. Fifteen circular pendant medallions, imitating ancient coins, are attached to the chain by single links. The medallions are graduated, each one featuring a unique classical head in profile, stamped in low relief. Though the profiles are finely delineated, the bodies of the medallions were finished with an irregular hammered surface.
George W. Shiebler and Company was a highly innovative and influential New York City firm that produced a diverse array of artistic silver wares and jewelry in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. During the later years of the nineteenth century a passion arose in both Europe and America for jewelry inspired by ancient coins, and this necklace is one example of the Shiebler firm's interpretation of that trend. An 1892 “Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review” article on the Shiebler firm described this "curio medallion work" as looking "as though it had been unearthed at Pompeii and Herculanaeum." The same article attests to the popularity of the line, stating that sales of what Shiebler described as his "Homeric Style" jewelry were "unprecedented perhaps in the history of the trade."
George W. Shiebler and Company was a highly innovative and influential New York City firm that produced a diverse array of artistic silver wares and jewelry in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. During the later years of the nineteenth century a passion arose in both Europe and America for jewelry inspired by ancient coins, and this necklace is one example of the Shiebler firm's interpretation of that trend. An 1892 “Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review” article on the Shiebler firm described this "curio medallion work" as looking "as though it had been unearthed at Pompeii and Herculanaeum." The same article attests to the popularity of the line, stating that sales of what Shiebler described as his "Homeric Style" jewelry were "unprecedented perhaps in the history of the trade."
Artwork Details
- Title: Necklace
- Maker: George W. Shiebler & Co. (1876–1907)
- Date: ca. 1880
- Geography: Made in New York, New York, United States
- Culture: American
- Medium: silver and silver gilt
- Dimensions: 16 in. (40.6 cm)
- Credit Line: Gift of Martha J. Fleischman, 2009
- Object Number: 2009.110
- Curatorial Department: The American Wing
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
George W. Shiebler & Co.
ca. 1893
George W. Shiebler & Co.
ca. 1880
George W. Shiebler & Co.
ca. 1880
Tiffany & Co.
1884
Multiple artists/makers
1876
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.