Fishel Nessler Art Nouveau Golden Leaves Garland

NWS 1-1576

~ This necklace is signed F.N.CO. which was started by Fishel & Nessler in 1885. They became famous for their sterling hair ornaments, buttons and clasps, but at the turn of the century, times were rapidly changing. When Fishel came back from a trip to Paris, he changed the company production line over to women's jewelry, and the rest, as they say, is history. This is the duo who, along with their buddy, Krussman, would go on to form TKF in the 1920's, or as we know it today, Trifari.

~ Everything that Carl Fishel had his hand in seemed to turn to gold. That's because what he did, he did extremely well. Look at this necklace. You can see a simple, pure sort of perfection here, as light as a feather, and as beautiful as a whisper. But Mother Nature is about as simple as calculus on steroids. What appears "simple" on the surface is actually quite intricate when seen from the underpinnings. You're looking at quality construction, as it would have to be to have lasted as long as it has. Longer than this automobile,,,,

~ The leaves are linked from underneath by a white metal which is in perfect condition, no tarnish, so I don't think it can be sterling. Also, it is quite strong, no kinks or bends, so I do not know what this chain is made of, but F.N.CO was famous for their sterling arts, so it could be sterling.

~ Necklace measures 15" long and .75" wide.

~ Shovel clasp is capped with an elongated, pyramid-shaped, green stone of unknown content. I don't think it's glass. It's bezel-set in a dog-tooth, brass setting, in perfect condition. The reverse is marked "F.N.CO.".

~ In excellent condition. Sorry my pics are so dark. The brass are much brighter. This is a delightful piece of American Art Nouveau design history.

c. 1900

Price = $397.00

Who was Fishel Nessler (F.N. Co.)?