Wiener Werkstätte Micro-Beaded Necklaces Circa 1910-1920

The Wiener Werkstätte was founded in 1903 by Koloman Moser and Josef Hoffmann, both of whom had been key members of the Vienna secession. The primary goal of the company was to bring good design and craft into all areas of life within the fields of ceramics, fashion, silver, furniture, and the graphic arts. From the onset, the Wiener Werkstätte encouraged its patrons to look beyond the material value of objects and to embrace geometric symmetry over surface ornament. For a history of this very interesting movement, see:

http://www.theviennasecession.com/a-history/

The artisans made some very beautiful jewelry, in gold, sterling, with gems, and enameled, but what has always interested me are their micro-beaded necklaces. The Venetian glass beads, generally a size 14, and in many colors, are crocheted around a soft cord, or in other instances, around wooden forms. The colors are fantastic, with wonderful geometric designs. I am always on the look-out for these necklaces!

Photos:
- Elaborate example of a Wiener Werkstätte micro-bead necklace in autumn colors. Includes use of rare gilt beads and has leaves and bead dangles.
- Glorious micro-beaded Wiener Werkstätte lariat in autumn colors, geometric designs ending in 2 pear-shaped balls with leaf designs at the juncture.
- Two micro-beaded necklaces in greens yellows, and oranges
- Micro-beaded necklace with beading over round wood forms