Antique - vintage necklace. Gold, emeralds and diamonds. Exact age and origin uncertain. Could date anywhere from late 19th century to early 20th century.
Professional Independent appraisal available to new owner.
Measurements:
Weight is 27.8 grams. Approximately 16.5 inches (42cm) long. Appraised as 27.70ct emeralds and 3.75ct diamonds.
GIA appraisal stating natural emerald with moderate oil and Russian origin available to new owner.
Description :
Fringe big necklace with stones increasing in size towards the center and narrowing towards the back. A line of round emeralds cleverly and subtly set on gold that allows a large amount of movement as the necklace winds around the neck. Each emerald is connected to a middle row of round, Old European cut diamonds which in turn link to larger pear-shaped emeralds. After the necklace tapers towards the ends, it is completed by a very sturdy gold chain. The chain is uniquely constructed: round links are overlaid with long, rectangular-oval links that surround them in groups. Finally, a tubular barrel clasp is an easy to use, secure closure. These clasps were used from the early 1900's, especially during the Deco era, which might give a hint to the age of the necklace.
Marks and Metal:
Like most antique jewelry, gold is not homogenous and electronically tests as 12-13k.
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:
Fringe necklaces have been popular since the days of the Ancient Egyptians. This continued through the Ancient Greek and Roman eras, especially with emeralds, which were believed to have healing and protective powers as well as being appreciated for their beauty. During the Victorian era, archaeological discoveries reignited interest in ancient jewelry styles. Fringe necklaces reemerged and variations of these necklaces once again became popular, especially with the Revival styles. During the Art Deco era, there was a resurgence of interest in the Ancient Egyptians and once again, fringe necklaces were in vogue. They have never not been popular. Emeralds have been even more sought after through the ages. From Cleopatra's love of this gem (she supposedly nationalised the mines to take controle of these stones) through the Spanish pillaging of South America and especially the Mughal love of emeralds above all other gems, emeralds are as lavish and complementing today as they were through the thousands of years of human history.
Emeralds by nature have inclusions and are almost always oiled to some extent. This was checked and described by the GIA.
Russian emeralds are primarily mined in the Ural Mountains, a region historically known for producing high-quality emeralds with a distinctive bluish-green hue. Many Russian emeralds are seen in antique jewelry from the 18th–19th centuries, often set in Fabergé pieces or Romanov-era creations.
