French diamond pendant with enamelled portrait (Deroche process). Sentiment jewel with letter M symbolizing love dated 1874.

Jewel type: Pendant
Period: 1874
Origin: French work (French hallmark)
Metal: Gold 750/1000 (18 k)
Total weight (gross): 18.60 grams
Dimensions: 3.3cm x 2.8cm
Nature of the stones: Diamonds cut in riose
State of conservation: Very good state of conservation
Comments:
Mathieu-Deroche, based at 39 bd des Capucines, perfected a process of photographic transfer onto an enamel plate around 1860. This allowed him to obtain faithful portraits in black & white, sepia, and even in color, since the plates of enamel thus obtained are repainted with special colors before firing. It is the successful marriage of painting and photography in a delicate and unalterable object. This process, awarded numerous times, notably obtained Gold and Silver medals at the Universal Exhibitions of 1867, 1878, 1889 and 1900. Mathieu-Deroche naturally maintained close relations with the Atelier Boissonnas et Taponier, also a specialist in portrait and miniature. In 1926, Taponier acquired the process on an exclusive basis and continued its development in its workshops at 12 rue de la Paix. The appearance of color, tastes and technical means evolving, this process disappeared after the war.
Reference: 16 022 1