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| Necklace and Pendant, c. 1900 Nelson and Edith Dawson The Victoria & Albert Museum |
Nelson Dawson was celebrated for his fine enameling—a skill which he learned from the distinguished teacher and enameller Alexander Fisher. Dawson shared his knowledge with his wife Edith, who was a skilled watercolorist. Edith went on to do most of the enameling in their workshop. The couple showed their first joint designs in 1899—works depicting the subtle botanical studies that were to become so typical of their work.
This gem-set enameled pendant is a perfect example of the Dawsons' jewelry. The piece centers on a enamel depiction of lilies of the valley which is very reminiscent of Edith’s earlier watercolor painting.
The pendant hangs from a gold chain necklace and is surmounted by a cast cherub. The enamel plaque of lilies-of-the-valley is surrounded by pearls in openwork and hung with a drop set with a sapphire. Sapphires and pearls adorn the chain.
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