Posted 5 years ago
Parrotbeak
(39 items)
An operculum bracelet and an operculum necklace. Although bought together (for a little over 1 euro each), they are not a set as there are three big differences. For one, the necklace is marked ZII for 835 silver, while the bracelet is unmarked. If it's silver too, it's a different alloy because it's a little darker. For two, the necklace features unpolished operculum, while the bracelet's operculum may have some scratching but is polished. And for three, the necklace has seven pieces of about the same size, while the bracelet's seven are lightly graduated, hence the maker's need to add those Roman numerals to keep track of which piece was to go where.
I adore operculum jewelry and am so happy I've come across these two. Needless to say digging them up from a box at the flea market was one of those heart-stopper moments. I haven't found any other since (I'd love to combine either with a partner that matches), but I'm sure it'll happen eventually.
WOW !!!!
Wow, quite the find! Looks like these beauties go for quite a pretty penny, depending on age: https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/necklaces/more-necklaces/antique-victorian-cats-eye-operculum-riviere-neckalce/id-j_6218392/
Thanks for the loves, everyone!
Keramikos: Always happy to shine a light on lesser known "gemstones".
Hunter: I'd def never be able to afford this kind of jewelry at market value. The necklace isn't likely to be that old because of its ZII mark. Of course it might be a (much) later addition, but with the operculum being unpolished I do think it's a near-mid 20th century piece. The bracelet has a good shot at being antique, though.
These are beautiful. I inherited 2 operculums that I want to make into earrings. This is a wonderful find!