Someone with a very specific sense of humor designed this necklace, and we are here for it. Five miniature enamel plates, each one painted with a different scene including a tall ship under full sail, a Dutch windmill, a flamingo in a garden, a floral arrangement, and a heraldic crest, hang from a gold tone book chain alongside equally miniature dining utensils: a fork, two spoons, and a tiny cup. It is, essentially, a dinner party you can wear around your neck.
The book chain is a Victorian era style that never really goes out of fashion. Those flat interlocking rectangular links have a satisfying weight and drape. The enamel work on the plates is the kind of folk art inspired miniature painting associated with Quimper style French faience pottery, where hand painted scenes of everyday life and nature were the signature. Whoever assembled this necklace had a collector's eye and a playful one.
Condition: Good vintage condition with normal wear from use and storage. Enamel intact on all plates. All charms present and attached.
Key Features:
Metal: Gold tone
Chain style: Book chain, Victorian revival style
Charms: Five enamel miniature plates plus fork, two spoons, and cup
Plate scenes: Tall ship, windmill, flamingo, floral, heraldic crest
Enamel style: Quimper inspired folk art miniature painting
Length: 16.25 inches
Era: Mid to late 20th century
Style: Whimsical charm necklace, conversation piece
Condition: Good vintage, normal wear
