Champlevé is an enameling technique in the decorative arts, or an object made by that process, in which troughs or cells are carved, etched, die struck, or cast into the surface of a metal object, and filled with vitreous enamel. The piece is then fired until the enamel fuses, and when cooled the surface of the object is polished. Reference: Wikipedia
The technique has been used for centuries but it was extremely popular during the Art Deco era and lent itself well to the bold geometric patterns which were fashionable at the time.
Below are some examples and price guides of Art Deco champlevé items including French gold and enamel timepiece by Cartier and a Swiss watch pendant.
A French gold and enamel small timepiece, Cartier, Paris, circa 1920 square case, decorated with champlevé formal flowers in black, turquoise, and red enamel, matte silver dial with diamond hands, slate back, the movement by the European Watch and Clock Company Inc, no. 405, folding strut support the case with maker’s marks for Maurice Couët, circa 1920, dial signed Cartier under 12
Sold for 15,000 USD at Sotheby’s in 2018
BLACK, STARR & FROST. A VERY FINE ART DECO CHINOISERIE 18K ENAMELED GOLD, CABOCHON TOURMALINE, AND CARVED HARDSTONE BOUDOIR TIMEPIECE Date: 1930’s Movement: 13-jewel with lever escapement, wound and set by separate key mounted inside the case back, signed E. Mathey-Tissot & Co. Dial: rectangular champlevé enamel panel with fanciful Chinese landscape, applied Chinese numerals, pierced arrow hands Case: On pierced bracket feet, bezel set with cabochon tourmaline, side panels champlevé enameled with flowering branches, surmounted by a carved hardstone elephant
Sold for US$ 110,000 (£ 80,753) inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2017
A pair of Art deco ruby diamond and enamel cufflinks The circular mother-of-pearl panels with central single sapphire or ruby detail within champlevé enamel and rose-cut diamond border to chain-link connections, circa 1925, fitted case (
Sold for GBP 1,375 at Christie’s in 2008
Tiffany & Co. Makers Champleve Enameled Sterling Silver Tea Service First quarter of the 20th century Comprising a squat teapot, creamer and two-handled covered sugar bowl, each shape no. 16607; waste bowl, shape no. 53378; and an oval tray, shape no. 20359; each decorated with a lapis, green and beige stylized foliate band. Length of tray 16 inches, total approximately 73 ounces, all in
Sold for $7,500 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2009
Art Deco green onyx and champleve table lamp, 20th c., prob. French, petit onyx table lamp with inset champleve panels, with variegated marble step mounts and base, mounted on carved Chinese style hardwood stand
Sold for $150 at Millea Bros Ltd in 2020
Antique Art Deco Enamel Swiss Watch Pendant. Antique art deco silver watch pendant with guilloche and champleve enamel. Made in Luzerne Switzerland. Measures 1.5 inches in length
Sold for $100 at Greenwich Auction in 2019
