Vintage REED & BARTON Silver Company Bohemian Pendant on Gold Chain Autumn Mother Earth

This is a Mother Earth, Bohemian style piece made by the REED & BARTON Silver Company.
This is a silver technique called Damascene. A web search for a definition of Damascene will return several different definitions, but most of them refer to the art of inlaying or steel or other metals with gold or silver metals to make a decorative design. Often Damascus is listed as the city of origin – hence the name. However, Damascene jewelry comes from several areas of the world.

As it pertains to jewelry, the word Damascene is a process where non-precious metals are decorated with 18-24K gold in decorative patterns. During the procedure, artisans cover the surface of an object with fine grooves, using sharp cutting tools. Figures are then drawn on the scored surfaces. Next, gold wires are pressed into these grooves with a steel punch and hammer. Figures are then drawn on the scored surfaces. Finally, the whole item is blued to produce a black background by a total oxidation of the surfaces which are not damasked. A delicate and light process of chipping gives a lovely sheen to the object. After these steps are completed, the object is mounted in a piece of jewelry.

The finished product is a very dramatic look with many Damascene designs focusing on the Renaissance motifs of birds and flowers. You will also find Arabesque and geometric designs and landscape designs are possible, particularly in Japanese Damascene which will often show Mount Fuji in the design.

The process dates back to the middle ages and was used by Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. It became popular in the XV century in Europe. Today, Toledo, Spain is the largest producer of Damascene jewelry, and a great deal of it is done for the tourist market.


Reed and Barton have an unique look to their Damascene jewelry with gold colored backgrounds and designs in silver and copper, instead of the traditional black and gold designs commonly seen in other types of Damascene jewelry.

Much of the Damascene produced for sale on the internet is actually made in the "Damascene Technique"- also called "Toledo Damascene, or would perhaps be better called "Tourist Damascene." It has the appearance of genuine Damascene jewelry, in that it is often black and gold, but the gold is not usually genuine 18k or 24K, and much of it is mass produced – some in Spain and much in the far east.

As can be seen from the photos, Damascene jewelry varies greatly. No matter the style, Damascene jewelry is highly collectible and always in demand.

Carol Speake
The Finishing Touch Vintage Jewelry on Ruby Lane
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Excellent Condition.
Measurements :
Chain is 24 inches long
Oval is 3 1/2 inches x 1 7/8 Still in the box, with paperwork and velvet pouch.
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We sell select vintage items. They are not new, and rarely look new. They are, in many cases, older than we are, and have seen life and times. We do not repair or replace parts on any of the items we sell. They came to us in the condition they are now, and are sold as is.

When we say an item is in “excellent vintage condition”, we mean just that – it is in excellent condition for its age. We are very particular about what we buy and sell, and describe things to the best of our ability, in a fair and accurate way. Please - closely review the photos using the zoom tool, and pay attention to the descriptions of the items you wish to purchase. If you have questions about anything at all, we will gladly answer them prior to your purchase.

Our packing materials may be unsightly, albeit brilliantly effective. We try to reuse as much material as possible from our business. We wish you would use it again, too.

WE DO COMBINE SHIPPING. Let us know! We'll give you a total and adjust the listing prior to your purchase.

GLASS and CERAMICS
*Please Note*
Pressed, molded or blown Glass has imperfections from the manufacturing process. These imperfections are inherited from production and are not considered damage. These minor imperfections often occur, such as: small defects in hand painting, color variations, creases or lines from molds, tiny air bubbles or small debris encased in glass is considered natural and is not going to be scrutinized or considered damage. However, I will make note if I notice any larger imperfections that appear to be beyond the acceptable norm as a defect.

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PEACE.