Cloisonne Pendant Necklace Value Guide

This mid-century Chinese cloisonne pendant showcases the intricate 'wired' enamel technique that reached its peak during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Featuring a vibrant floral motif on a circular brass base, this piece is a collectible example of traditional craftsmanship adapted for 20th-century fashion.

What Is Cloisonne Pendant Necklace Worth?

The typical price range for Cloisonne Pendant Necklace is $40 - $60 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the enamel, specifically the absence of cracks, chips, or 'bruising' to the glass-like surface.
• The complexity and detail of the floral pattern, with multi-colored petals commanding higher prices.
• The integrity of the silk cord and tassel, as original textile components in good condition add to the vintage value.
• The luster of the brass filaments; bright, unoxidized metal work enhances the overall aesthetic and market price.

How to Identify Cloisonne Pendant Necklace?

• Look for thin brass wires (cloisons) separating the different colors of vitreous enamel paste.
• Inspect the reverse side for a solid brass backing or a counter-enamel finish typical of 1950s-1970s production.
• Verify the presence of a traditional black silk cord and matching tassel, which are characteristic of this era's export jewelry.
• Check for small pits or 'pinholes' in the enamel surface, which are common indicators of the traditional firing process.

History of Cloisonne Pendant Necklace

Cloisonn is an ancient technique for decorating metalwork objects with colored material separated by soldered filaments, usually of gold or silver. The art form originated in the Near East and was brought to China during the Yuan Dynasty in the 13th-14th centuries. It reached its zenith during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, becoming a highly prized art form, often used for imperial gifts and ceremonial items. The process is intricate and labor-intensive, involving the careful bending of thin metal wires to form cells, which are then filled with vitreous enamel paste and fired at high temperatures.