Posted 8 years ago
kiwipaul
(117 items)
This necklace of aquamarines has a deceptively simple setting. There's no marks, however it was tested as 9ct gold.
The clover leaf of pear shaped aquas on either side suspend two joined knife edge connecting lengths, one curved and one straight, with a single drop to a 14.5mm long gem.
While it's simple, it really works. The necklace has lovely balance and movement when worn, and the aquamarines have plenty of blue in them, making them sparkly and eye catching as they shift around.
This probably dates to about 1910 and while this style of necklace was produced in New Zealand, I suspect this one probably came out from London, it has an extra sizzle of sophistication I haven't seen in the local pieces.
I've shown a couple of these knife edge necklaces previously, here's their links:
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/195511
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/171712
Both of these look to me to be Colonial, made in New Zealand around the 1900's.
While they're both lovely, and the Tangiwai greenstone one is very special, this clover leaf one has a "fine jewellery" appearance that trumps the other two when worn.
A STUNNER !!!
Beautifully balanced.
Simply gorgeous !!!
Wonderful design, simple and very special at the same time. Beautiful!
As you say in your write up kiwipaul , a simple design but the necklace is absolutely stunning. Love it.
What a beautiful chic necklace, love it!
Gorgeous necklace, Paul! When you say "knife edge" is this a specific form of the gold pieces between the stones?
Beautiful. So simple, so beautiful.
Superb. Elegant and exquisite.
Thanks everyone for your kind comments and Loves. Answering Bluboi, the knife edge refers to the shape of the gold connectors. They are thicker at the rear and narrow to a blunt edge in the front. This was probably to add strength and save a bit on the gold, and it also gives the piece a finer profile from the front.
As often happens with CW, photographing and listing a piece helps you see it through new eyes.
I've just realised this is a "Negligee" necklace.
As I discussed here: http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/171712 that name comes from the haphazardly (negligently) arranged components. All the aquas in the one above are different sizes, as if they were randomly thrown together, and I'm now thinking this was done quite intentionally to make it into a negligee.
So very beautiful......I do love this style!!