Vintage pearl necklace. Pearls and gold clasp. French. Dates to 1940 - 50's.
Measurements:
Weight is 34.1 grams. Length is 25 3/4 inches (65.5cm). Smallest pearls are 4 - 4.5mm in diameter.Largest pearls are 9.5 - 10.0mm in diameter.
Description :
Necklace of graduated pearls with the smallest pearls near the clasp, increasing in size as they approach the middle. The largest pearls are a very substantial and notable size. The length of the necklace is quite unusual - longer than Matinee and a little shorter than full Opera length. The necklace therefore falls slightly lower than is typical, drawing attention to and flattering the chest. Alternatively, if the wearer has a large neck, it will also be long enough to fit perfectly. Pearls have a nice surface with smooth nacre. Creamy white color with a tinge of gold for warmth.
Understated elegance.
Clasp is a white gold barrel with yellow gold tongue, but fit together perfectly (one of them was possibly replaced). A safety chain ensures that the necklace is secure.
Marks and Metal:
There is a mark on the tongue of the clasp. It appears to be a makers mark lozenge, but the initials are not legible. Gold clasp was electronically tested as 18k.
Condition:
A few pearls might do with a gentle cleaning, but otherwise good condition 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:
Since our oceans have become so polluted, most sources of natural pearls have become extinct. Fortunately, early in the 1900's Mikimoto learned how to cultivate pearls with a little help from humans. Cultured pearls are real pearls, created in the bodies of mollusks in oceans or rivers. It takes years for the little creatures to add layer upon layer of nacre, the shiny iridescent material that constitutes the pearl. The larger the pearl, the longer it took to be created by nature and the less chance of the mollusk surviving. For that reason, pearls of the size found in the center of this necklace are rare and to be appreciated for what Mother Nature has produced.
In fashion, pearls are making a huge comeback. While every woman needs a good pearl necklace whether in emulation of the late Queen and her family or simply to go with her jeans, it is the men who are outdoing themselves with the new trend in men's accessories.
