Ren¨¦ Lalique Damselflies Pendant

Created circa 1900-1902, this damselfly pendant necklace by Ren¨¦ Lalique is composed of plique-¨¤-jour, pailonn¨¦, and champlev¨¦ enamel, fire opal, diamonds and 18K gold. It is designed as four damselflies with champlev¨¦ and plique-¨¤-jour enamel wings, in shades of lavender and indigo, with touches of green, highlighted by old European and old mine-cut diamonds,joining slender opalescent blue paillon¨¦ (foiled) enamel bodies, the reverse with elaborate chased designs, roosting on a fire opal cabochon, suspended from a later trace link chain punctuated by opal beads. A masterful study in challenging enamel techniques, this rare jewel summons a mood of beauty, peace and evanescence in nature.