Anton Michelsen Denmark Sterling Enamel Marguerite Daisy Chain Necklace Circa 1940's

Measurements: 14.5"L x .75"W (36.83cm x 1.91cm) + 3.5"L Extension (8.89cm)

Total Length: 17.9"L (45.47cm)

Markings: 14KGF on clasp

Weight: 38.6g

A spectacular circa-1940s Danish Marguerite daisy necklace attributed to the celebrated Anton Michelsen silversmithing house.

The necklace features sixteen articulated, three-dimensional Marguerite daisies crafted in gold-gilt sterling silver. Each substantial .75-inch flower is decorated with luminous white guilloché enamel petals, finely outlined in gold and centered by a raised, intricately textured golden dome. The linked construction allows the flowers to move gracefully and conform beautifully around the neckline, creating a bold yet wonderfully feminine statement.

Introduced by Anton Michelsen in 1940, the Marguerite daisy became one of the most recognizable designs in Danish jewelry. This early necklace displays the distinctive dimensional construction, enamel work and design associated with the original Michelsen production.

The necklace would originally have been fitted with a concealed box clasp, where the Anton Michelsen maker’s mark was typically located. A previous owner removed that closure and added a 14-karat gold-filled clasp and 3.5-inch extender, increasing the wearable length and allowing the necklace to be adjusted from approximately 14.5 to 17.9 inches. Because the original signed clasp is no longer present, the necklace is offered as attributed to Anton Michelsen.

The white enamel is exceptionally clean, glossy and completely free from chips, cracks or other visible damage. The gold gilding remains strong and bright, and the articulated links move freely. The replacement clasp and extension function securely.

A rare and visually commanding example of Danish enamel jewelry, particularly desirable for its sixteen large daisies, substantial weight and beautifully preserved condition. 

A fully signed matching Anton Michelsen Marguerite bracelet is also available separately. The two pieces were acquired together from the same estate sale and form an exceptional coordinated suite.

 Mannequin is a life-size torso representation

Anton Michelsen
The Anton Michelsen Silversmithy was founded in 1841 and had thus long celebrated its centenary when it was bought by the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Manufactory in 1968. As Royal Copenhagen then went on to purchase Georg Jensen as well, Michelsen was gradually merged with Jensen, and today only the annual forks and spoons bear the Michelsen name.
-Georg Jensen was apprenticed to Anton Michelsen in the 1890s, not the other way around! Several of the most popular late 20th century Jensen pieces were actually designed for Michelsen.
-In the 1850s Michelsen was commissioned to redesign the Royal medals and has been making these by appointment ever since. Hence the expertise in enamelwork which led to the most popular jewellery design of the twentieth century, the Marguerite Daisy, created in 1940 to celebrate the birth of Princess (later Queen) Margrethe.
-After its takeover by Royal Copenhagen in 1968, silver designers were encouraged to work with ceramicists, which resulted in some very interesting and sought-after creations.
-At least since 1950 Anton Michelsen acknowledged its designers by stamping their signatures on each piece.
Designers of the mid and late 20th century include:
Karen Strand, Gertrud Engel, Eigil Jensen, Nanna & Jørgen Ditzel, Knud V Andersen and Jens Windfeld Hansen.
-Michelsen set up a subsidiary in Sweden during the WWII and for some time after. MIC was the maker's mark used for items produced in Sweden, and this mark is often seen on Gertrud Engel designs of the 1950s, although they were also made in Denmark. In Sweden they also cooperated with the Swedish company Borgila. Source: Antik & Auktion 4/99