Description
This is such an amazing set, which really showcases the amount of work that goes into some of these vintage / antique fringe necklaces. The metal is silver gilt I believe and the gold tests as 14ct. It is Edwardian in design and may be as early as the c1910 era, although I can’t rule out it was 1920s or 30s too. It is a sensational necklace and to find it comes with the matching earrings is so satisfying, as many of these pairs have been split up over the years. The lapis stones are fabulous and the largest stone at the front has a swathe of gold right through it….the gold in lapis is actually pyrite. Fabulous stones!
These elongated teardrops of lapis lazuli have been arranged in a graduated way with the largest at the centre of the necklace. Silver gilt wire has been threaded through and tied in knots and wrapped around to secure each stone. A laborious and extremely time consuming job. A few links above the lapis stones is a small real baroque / river pearl and these have a rich and creamy lustre. There are 15 drops in all so if you are looking for a special gift themed on the number 15-then this could be perfect. The main chain has small baroque pearls and faux pearls along it too, as well as two small lapis beads on each side. It is such a beautiful piece of jewellery, which has great movement due to all the drops. The longest drop measures approx 3.3cm.
The earrings are exactly the same as one drop, that is a wired tear drop of lapis and a few links above it, a small baroque pearl. The earrings have already been converted in their past to silver gilt wires so they match the necklace beautifully. The wearable length of the necklace is approx In pleasing condition, there are two small points to note; the first is that the very end of one of the lapis stones on the earrings (top, pointy part) has a nibble….tiny and I found it with a loupe. You certainly can’t see it when you wear them. One of the tiny pearls near the catch has a chip. Again, I found it with the loupe and it certainly isn’t noticeable otherwise. Considering the complexity and age of the piece these are minimal. This is an impressive set and somebody will take much delight from wearing them.
I will send by complimentary tracked and signed within the UK and or by courier internationally. The box in the images is not included, however I will provide a lovely new presentation box for them. Thank you.
