Late 19th Century Austro-Hungarian Empire Niello Floral and Leaf Motif Pendant

This pendant from the late 19th century Austro-Hungarian Empire is crafted from sterling silver with partial gilding, adorned using the niello technique. The pendant features a drop design composed of multi-section links in dual-tone gold and silver. The entire piece, including the clasp and small sterling silver links, is embellished with niello, making it wearable on both sides. The elongated links in the middle are subtly twisted, adding a three-dimensional quality to the structure. The overall design incorporates horizontal circular patterns in niello, with a gilded laurel leaf motif on one side. The round pendant at the bottom showcases a radial floral pattern on both sides, with a gilded starburst engraving at the center of one side. The piece bears an "800" silver stamp and a "PS" stamp, believed to be the maker's mark. About the Niello Technique: Niello is an ancient decorative technique using different metal materials, embodying the early goldsmiths' philosophy of "working with whatever materials are at hand." Its history is extensive, dating back to the Bronze Age around 1800 BCE, with examples found on vessels and daggers unearthed in Syria. The niello process involves incising a pattern onto the surface of gold or silver and then filling the grooves with a black inlay material, typically a mixture containing silver, copper, lead, and sulfur—with each artisan having their own unique formula, making the exact composition difficult to generalize. After polishing, the original metal retains its luster while the engraved areas appear black in contrast, creating a striking visual effect. The pendant is in good antique condition, showing normal signs of oxidation and wear consistent with its age. The niello patterns are well-preserved with minimal loss. Please note that this is a century-old antique accessory, not a new item. Origin: Austro-Hungarian Empire Year: Late 19th Century Materials: Sterling Silver, Gilding, Niello Dimensions: 3.5x2.5x0.3 cm Weight: 12.10g Stamps: 800 Silver, PS (presumed maker's mark) Condition: Good antique condition, showing normal oxidation and wear. Niello patterns are well-preserved with minimal loss. Item Number: NV058_2602 Important Information: Antique jewelry refers to pieces over 100 years old. Items less than a century old are classified as vintage or second-hand jewelry. All antique jewelry sold by Xiang Cheng is accompanied by a brand certificate of authenticity, detailing the item's age, materials, and other specifications. A full refund will be issued if the item does not match the certificate. Each item's condition is meticulously documented with photographic equipment before sale to ensure members are fully aware of any imperfections or signs of wear. These photographs form an integral part of the product description. Therefore, members are kindly requested to carefully assess their purchase intent before checkout. Once the checkout process is completed, due to the unique nature of our products, we regret that returns or exchanges cannot be accepted for any reason, including minor flaws or depreciation. Please confirm your purchase decision thoroughly before checkout to avoid any disputes. Shipping Information: Enjoy free shipping on all purchases within Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Japan. All orders within Taiwan will be sent via registered post by the Post Office. If registered mail is inconvenient, please specify your preferred convenience store for pickup (7-11 or FamilyMart) in your order notes, along with the store name or code. Shipments to Hong Kong and Macau will be sent via SF Express.