G.A.S. Victorian Sterling Gilt & Plique-à-Jour Enameled Cherub Pin

Georg Adam Scheid (G.A.S.) was an Austrian silversmith and jeweler during the Victorian era. In 1853, he began an apprenticeship at the age of 16, the beginnings of a flourishing career. He moved to Vienna in 1858, entering the workshop of Michael Markowitsch, an established maker of gold, silver, and jewelry goods. Markowitsch and Scheid formed a working partnership in 1862, which continued for 20 years, until Scheid began his own grand scale operation in 1882. With up to 300 workers, Scheid produced a variety of silver and enameled goods, specializing in cigarette cases, powder boxes, stationary and toiletry sets, and jewelry. His works were sold in great quantity throughout the majority of Western Europe. With the expansion of his company, he opened a refinery in 1888 and began the exportation of his goods to established sister companies in Budapest, Prague, and Bucharest. Scheid eventually retired in 1911, leaving the business to his sons. 

“Plique-à-Jour” is a French term that means “braid letting in daylight”. The term refers to the technique in which enamel is applied in cells, similar to cloisonné, but with no backing. This allows light to shine through the transparent or translucent enamel and form a beautiful stained glass like appearance.

This unusual plique-à-jour pin from the Victorian (ca1888) era is a wonderful example of Georg Adam Scheid’s work! This lovely piece is made of gilded sterling silver and depicts a lovely plique-à-jour floral and enamel design. In the center of the piece is an enameled cherub with incredibly realistic detail. The cherub sits resting its chin in hand and has a soft expression on its face, gazing in the distance. Surrounding the cherub is an incredible plique-à-jour design with an array of vivid green, royal blue, and red enamel that resembles stained glass. Separating the rich colors are swirled wirework shapes that are crafted with fine milgrain detail. A gilded sterling border complete with delicate beadwork completes the lovely design. On the back of the piece is a simple rose gold bar pin and “c” catch. This detailed pin is a wonderful example of fine plique-à-jour work and would make a special addition to any collection!

Measurements: The pin measures 1″ tall, 3/4″ wide, and slightly less than 1/16″ thick.

Condition: The overall condition of the pin is excellent. Besides normal surface wear, there is no apparent gilded sterling setting or to the plique-à-jour and enamel design. The rose gold pin clasp is secure and intact.