The Edwardian Era at the turn of the 19th Century was known for its youthful outlook, its refined fashion and general joy de vivre. Coming at the very end of the Belle Epoque period, the fashion was for dresses in pale and lightweight fabrics with plunging necklines – quite the departure from the formal Victorian Era that came before. Delicate jewelled necklaces were worn high on the neck between the clavicles, often in the lavaliere or negligee styles.
This necklace is in the negligee style, with two drops of differing lengths hanging below the central jewel. The style of manufacture is very much in keeping with Australian jewels of the time – with thin rails of gold and gemstones held in multi-pronged settings. I’ve added an optional extender (made with a short length of antique trace chain) to the original chain, so you can choose to wear it lower on your décolletage if desired.
You can see a short video of this necklace on my Instagram account @secret_histories or online here.
Manufacture:
Modelled in 9ct gold, verified by XRF test. A small 9ct plaque can be found on the back of the pendant. The necklace is made in the negligee style with two drops of different lengths suspended between a central jewel, which hangs on a captive trace chain.
The three faceted gemstones are natural citrines, they have been verified by an independent gemologist. The top citrine is a round cut and measures 11.15mm in diameter. The two oval cut citrines measure 10.97mm x 8.6mm and 10.6mm x 8.43mm. They are evenly matched in hue and have a wonderful warm sparkle. Each stone is held in a multi-pronged bezel.
Seven split seed pearls embellish the golden rails, each in its own closed back bezel setting. The pears are all evenly matched in colour and appear to be original.
The pendant has a total drop of 65.35mm and is 20.51mm wide.
The necklace can hang at two lengths – high on the clavicles ( 39.5cm / 15.5″) or lower on the décolletage (52cm / 20.5″). If you have a preferred necklace length shorter than 52cm please let me know and I’ll adjust before sending.
Weighs 5.94 grams.
Condition:
In excellent antique condition, ready for immediate wear.
A stunning necklace from the Edwardian Era, circa 1910, almost certainly Australian in origin. Modelled in 9ct gold and set with three bright citrine gemstones and embellished with seed pearls.
The necklace can hang at two lengths – high on the clavicles or lower on the décolletage.
The pendant has a total drop of 65.35mm.
Weighs 5.94 grams.
