This lovely gold plated watch cock has been converted into a pendant. The pendant is suspended on a 9k gold chain of delicately hand wrought flower links. The cock features an engraved urn and spray of flowers, cut through an elaborate filigree design. The design of the watch cock pairs perfectly with the floral link chain, this necklace is delightful. The chain dates circa 1850, the cock dates to the early 1800s.

From the 14th to the 18th Century, watches were as elaborate inside as out. Watchmakers handcrafted the watch movements, including these exquisite watch cocks. No two were ever the same. The cocks were most commonly made of jewelers brass; the designs were composed of highly detailed filigree and often incorporated mythical creatures or ancient gods. By the mid 18th Century new escapements emerged which enabled watchmakers to craft thinner, less bulky watches. The heavy older watches fell out of favor. They were often broken apart for their materials; the silver, gold, and gems were re-purposed. Only the movements with their elaborate watch cocks remained; since they were not made of precious metal they had no intrinsic value, but they did have the value of beauty. And so the fashion of re-purposed watch cock jewelry emerged in the late Georgian and early Victorian era.

This line of jewelry is all about my two favourite things, the art of adornment and the art of re-purposing. I use pieces that are no longer viable in their original configurations by taking them apart and creating fresh, wearable pieces of jewelry.

Details.....The watch cock measures 1.45" by 0.82". The chain is 19" long.

Small imperfections are to be expected and considered part of the design.