Damascene Pendant Necklace

I found this vintage Damascene tie barrette with birds and flower motifs in Provence at an antique market 2 years ago. I used it as a pendant with faceted black spinel beads.
Damascene is the art of decorating non-precious metals with gold. It has been done since the Middle Ages and was first done by artisans in Damascus (Syria). The craft was perfected by the Arabs and brought with them to Spain. The technique used has remained the same over time.
There are 2 different traditional types of patterns:
- Arabesque or geometric designs
- Renaissance motifs with birds or flowers.
These patterns are obtained by engraving deep cuts into the steel and then placing a gold foil into the lines of the design. The foil is hammered until the gold penetrates into the cuts. Each piece is then treated with a solution to obtain oxidation and creating hence the black background.
The back of all Damascene pieces is finished with gold metal.
Toledo in Spain is the largest center of production of Damascene jewelry.