Mastery of Design: Queen Alexandra’s Iris Pendant, 1900

Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Courtesy of Her Majesty
Queen Elizabeth II

A work of gold, pliqué-a-jour enamel, and rose-cut diamonds, this pendant of Art Nouveau style is decorated with irises. Though a maker’s mark is not evident, it is clearly the work of Fabergé’s workshop.


The piece is larger than most of Fabergé’s similar pendants, indicating that it was, most likely, a custom order for an unknown individual. No one is quite sure from whom or when Queen Alexandra received this piece, but the style indicates that it was made circa 1900.

Pendant of Enamel, Gold and Diamonds
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II