I have already spoken of the work in diamonds of Roset and Fischmeister, and I should like to refer to those two master craftsmen again in connection with some of their figural ornaments, such as buckles for belts, rings, studs for shirt fronts and cuffs, etc., worked in dull or bright gold, all of which I consider worthy to be spoken of as Viennese works of art. The different masks on the studs, each with its own individual expression, really display quite remarkable talent in their designer, for they are not only thoroughly artistic but most amusing studies in physiognomy. Unfortunately it is impossible to give in reproductions of such work any true idea of the subtle manner in which the blue-green colours of the enamels, the gleaming white of the diamonds, and the pearly opaline tints of the moonstones, harmonize with each other and with the gold of their setting in the beautiful necklaces of Messrs. Roset and Fischmeister. The watch-chains for men, with their finely-modelled and characteristic ornaments, manufactured by the firm of F. Hofstetter, must also be mentioned on account of the skill with which the links are interwoven. The pendant is designed from a sketch made by Professor Stephan Schwartz. Two other designs from the same firm show very considerable skill.
Very interesting is the way in which the materials are combined in the belt-buckles by Franz Hauptmann. The water-lily buckle is of greenish gold, and the enamel, which is of the translucid variety, is also of a green hue, as are the onyx stones worked into the design. The motive is the flower and seed of the water-lily, and from the water, represented in enamel, rise up the delicate flowers in the same material of a snowy whiteness.
An examination of the sketches of designs for jewellery, reproduced here, cannot fail to bring one fact forcibly before the mind. Mechanical repetition is most carefully avoided, and as a result every example retains its own unique charm—the mark of the artist's hand. W. Fred.
| Scarf Pin | Scarf Pin | Scarf Pin |
| V. SCHÖNTHONER | V. SCHÖNTHONER | V. SCHÖNTHONER |
| Silver Brooch with Enamel | Pendant in Gold, | Silver Brooch with Enamel |
| F. MESMER | Enamel and Pearls | JOSEF HOFSTETTER |
| OTTO PRUTSCHER | ||
| Scarf Pin | Head of Scarf Pin | |
| V. SCHÖNTHONER | V. SCHÖNTHONER | |
| Head of Scarf Pin | Silver Brooch with Enamel | Gold Brooch with Enamel |
| OTTO PRUTSCHER | F. MESMER | OTTO PRUTSCHER |
