A delicate Austrian stick pin from the Art Nouveau period (c.1890-1915). Crafted from 18ct yellow gold, a delicate leaf takes centre stage. Reminding us of stained glass, the spaces or "cells" between the leaf veins have been filled with translucent light spring green enamel using the highly intricate plique-à-jour technique. A single round-cut diamond has been rubover set to complete the design, reminding us of an early morning dew drop. Rejecting the classical constraints of traditional art, Art Nouveau embraced naturalistic forms, portraying nature in a way that had never been done before. Austria was a particularly important centre for Art Nouveau, where the closely related Vienna Secession movement flourished. The plique-à-jour technique was popularly used to define Art Nouveau jewellery creations, with prized examples being widely collected by connoisseurs worldwide. Pieces in this medium regularly feature in notable museum collections alongside examples by more well-known names such as René Lalique and Louis Comfort Tiffany. This superb example is hallmarked, featuring the maker's mark of Gustav Mauer or Muller.
