Gold, opal and enamel brooch/ pendant, Marcus & Co, circa 1900. Photo Sotheby's

Centring on an opal within a frame of irises decorated with green guilloché enamel, suspending a fluted drop, signed Marcus & Co. Estimate 6,000-8,000 GBP. Lot Sold: 11,250 GBP

NOTE: Marcus and Company was founded in 1892 by Dresden jeweller Herman Marcus and his sons, following working for Tiffany & Co., Ball, Black and Company before partnering with Theodore B. Star in the firm, Star and Marcus. The company remained a New York based family business until 1941, creating imaginative and intricately designed jewellery. Marcus and Co. flourished during the Art Nouveau era and were one of the few American firms to use the plique-à-jour enamelling technique which gave the visual effect like stained glass. 

Sotheby's. Fine Jewels. London | 14 Dec 2011 www.sothebys.com