Description
If you have been observing Edwardian and Victorian pink paste necklaces being sold in the last year or two, you will have noticed how much in demand they are. This glorious example from the early Edwardian era, c1910, is an astonishing example, designed as a riviere with silver panels set with pink paste and pearls along the whole length of the piece. There is also a large central pendant section, arranged with scroll work and floral motifs. Rarely have I seen such a superb example and with all pastes intact and undamaged. She is a beauty who is also encased in her original antique fitted box, indicating that the necklace was sold from a jeweller’s on Sloane Street, Kensington in London.
There is such a playful lightness about this necklace, with the repeating scrolls and those fabulous faceted pink pastes. Each panel holds two pink pastes and a tiny natural pearl, individually set and finished with a fine mille grain edging to their settings. The pastes may well be foiled as there is such a vibrancy and lightness to them. The three panels closest to the pendant on each side, also have a tiny pearl and a pear-shaped pink paste suspended below them. The large central section is sumptuous – the addition of four green pastes elevates the colour harmony even further. I love the large pear-shaped paste on the drop…it is open-backed to really catch the light. I also love the central oval pink paste that has the halo of pearls around it….reminding one of a flower. At the top of the pendant there is a fan feature of graduating pastes, also reminiscent of flowers in that giardinetto style of arrangement.
I adore lifting her out to appreciate the work of the craftspeople making those pink pastes. Apparently there was quite an art to it and you can certainly appreciate that when you see it done so beautifully. Huge amounts of work have gone into this amazing necklace and she is a true gem of the Edwardian era. I love the fitted case too and how every panel nestles into its exact location every time you put the necklace back in the box. She is in excellent condition, with some age related patina. You could polish further if that is what you prefer, although liquids should be avoided as most of these stones are closed-back. None of them are damaged which is quite remarkable – she has clearly been lovingly cared for. An outstanding piece of jewellery.
The height of the pendant section is approx 5.4cm and the wearable length of the necklace is approx 44cm (approx 17.25 inches). It fastens with a secure hook fastener.
I shall send by international express courier or else by special delivery within the UK. Her fitted box is of course included in the sale. Thank you.
Ref:diy
