Description
A wonderful antique necklace, which has been lovingly hand-crafted in all its glorious hearts and twists details and which is believed to be a Liberty & Co design c1900. It is such an evocative piece and really highlights the use of intertwined hearts along with sinuous stalks creating the outline of each panel. It oozes romance, both in its form and colours; the hearts, the lovers’ knots, the forget-me-not blue colour of the turquoise….all very carefully considered and executed. There are original jeweller’s numbers etched by hand on the back of the main panel and they look to be the serial number “0533” (again, in keeping with Liberty & Co design numbers) with further digits underneath ( e/-/ ). The trace chain and original barrel clasp fastener test as 9ct gold with the main sections of the necklace all being created in 15ct gold.
I love the elongated central panel, with its crossed hearts motif at the top, a bezel set blister pearl is flanked by two round turquoise cabochons. Further sinuous lines elongate the openwork structure and they have two parallel turquoise cabs too. A delicate baroque pearl is suspended below the main panel.
To either side of the main panel are two smaller gold panels, each with both a knot (to represent the eternal tying together of two people) and a heart, with a delicate baroque pearl suspended below the panel. I also adore the way the small bezel-set turquoise cabochons run up the chain on either side and it really does lead your eye back to the turquoise features on the central panel.
Everything is in wonderful condition with no damage-a rare feat, especially with such beautifully delicate wing pearls. The central pendant section measures approx 3.3cm in height and the wearable length of the chain measures as approx 39cm (a touch over 15.25 inches).
I shall send in a jewellery presentation box (not the box shown in the images) by complimentary Special Delivery within the UK or else by International Express courier. Thank you.
