A stunning brooch of a quintessential Art Nouveau lady surrounded by irises made of 18k Gold “FIXE” and signed by the artist Jean-Baptiste Emile Dropsy. Even the reverse side of this brooch is beautifully executed.
C-clasp.
 
J.B. Emile Dropsy (1848 – 1923) was a renowned Parisian jeweller and medallist. His best-known works are from the early part of the Art Nouveau era (late 1800s), and his pieces were prized for their gracious forms, beautiful faces, and naturalistic expressions. 
 
“Fixe” (sometimes “Fix”) is a French mark denoting a closely guarded formula of superior quality rolled gold jewellery used from the early 1800s. Copper or brass was covered with unusually thick 18-carat gold which does not typically show signs of wear. The very best designers were commissioned to come up with these pieces, and the idea was to create jewellery of such good design and quality that it could not easily be distinguished from its solid gold counterparts.
 
MATERIAL:
Rolled Gold FIXE (Heavy 18k gold plated brass)
 
AGE: 
Early to Mid 1890 - 1910
 
CONDITION: 
Very good – surface wear commensurate with age and use
 
SIZE: 
H 2 cm
W 3 cm
 
WEIGHT:
2.71 g
 
Please read descriptions and inspect photos carefully, paying careful attention to size and weight. Due to the age of antique and vintage jewelry, minor abrasions and wear of finishes is normal and appreciated. All items have been tested to be in working/usable condition, unless otherwise stated. Please take care to understand safe cleaning methods for each type of gem and metal. Jewelry pieces are carefully wrapped, ribboned and shipped in an elegant velvet box. Antique boxes in photos are for illustrative purposes only.