Necklace 1868 - 1878

This necklace was created by Jacob Ulrich Holfeldt Tostrup, using silver. Consider the floral motifs. These were likely created using die-stamping or pressing techniques, a process where metal is forced into a mold. This allowed for consistent replication of the shapes across many units. This mode of production is interesting because it speaks to a transition in craft, from unique hand-wrought pieces to standardized components that are assembled. The labor is thus divided into design, die-making, stamping, and assembly. The volume of production could be significantly increased, democratizing access to such luxury items. The choice of silver as a material gives the necklace its distinctive sheen, making it aesthetically pleasing and durable. This necklace underscores how the interplay of material, process, and social context enriches our understanding of decorative arts, highlighting a blend of traditional craftsmanship and emerging industrial techniques.