Antique Victorian necklace. Aquamarine, silver/gilt silver. Made circa 1890. United Kingdom / French Origin - see story below.
Measurements:
Weight is 43.6 grams. Approximately 15 1/4 inches (39cm) long.
Description :
Stunning! composed of 9 stations. Graduated in side with the largest in the middle center and then decreasing in size towards the clasp.
The central section is attached via a large bale or loop and was almost certainly detachable so that it could be worn as a pendant or other form of jewelry. Having the form of a girondole drop - a large oval section set with a big aquamarine above an openwork scrolling vermeil ground. The 4 cardinal points are each set with a smaller aquamarine and 3 suspended aquamarine drops. The drops on the sides are simple pear shapes, the bottom drop is a much larger version.
The stations are connected via bold silver chains with silver chain swags dropping below. Each station with a trio of aquamarine above and two with long, oval/pear shaped drops.
The swags hanging between sections were known as 'en esclavage' in France.
Tubular clasp.
Marks and Metal:
The only mark I found was a French swan mark for silver. See 'the story' below. Metal is mainly silver, but the ground of the central pendant feature is vermeil - gilt silver.
Condition:
Good with negligible wear commensurate with age. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.
THE STORY:
I bought this wonderful necklace in Paris. The English loved aquamarine jewelry and the previous owner told me that this necklace was probably from the United Kingdom. I found a French swan hallmark on the bale (loop) of the central section. This French mark was used on silver items that were imported to France, substantiating the belief that the necklace was made in the UK.
Further corroborating the English origin: When we think of antique English jewelry, our minds often go to artists such as Thomas Gainsborough, who painted fine aristocracy in pastel shades of pink and blue. (think the BLUE BOY). Pastel shades of silk and satin were worn by both men and women. While this necklace is much later, the taste and fashion for this shade remains the same.
Dress up your own finery with this necklace - as wearable today as it was almost 150 years ago.
