Waterfall : Antique Aquamarine Fringe Necklace by Dunklings of Melbourne

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Shimmering aquamarine drops cascade down the neckline from this elegant and alluring antique necklet made by early Australian jewellery firm Dunklings of Melbourne. Dating to the Edwardian Era at the turn of the 20th Century, aquamarine necklaces like this one were must-have jewels for Australian high society socialites. Today it would make an ideal bridal jewel – the perfect something blue for the big day, and the perfect wearable heirloom for every occasion after.

I’ve had a several variations on these necklaces over the years, they’re always a delight, but this one is especially, especially lovely. The quality of the jewel is evident in several small but important details: the expertly matched bright pale blue gemstones, which are are weighted to hang absolutely perfectly; the the trace chain, which is a little heavier gauge than usual; and the way the seed pearls have been set into little rub-over bezels, a darling detail that I’ve never seen before. When I located the hallmarks I was not at all surprised to see the marks for one of Australia’s most revered jewellery houses: Dunklings of Melbourne.

This necklet is designed to sit on the clavicles at the base of the neck, the drops are articulated so that they can move as you move. The necklace is in perfect all original condition, a highly collectable and wearable heirloom that is a dream to wear.

You can see a brief video of this necklace on my Instagram @secret_histories, or online here.

Manufacture: 
Handmade in 15ct gold with a 9ct gold barrel clasp fastener. The necklace is hallmarked W15D, which is both the fineness mark and the makers mark employed by Dunkinks of Melbourne. The hallmarks can be found on a small plaque attached to the top of the central rectangular aquamarine setting.
The barrel clasp is hallmarked 9c.
Each of the six natural aquamarines is set into a coronet setting – two round cut, one rectangular cushion cut and three pear cuts. Fine rails of gold link the stones together, with each aquamarine drop accented by a natural half seed pearl in a rub over bezel setting.
All gemstones have been verified as natural by an independent gemologist.
The total weight of aquamarines is approximately 7.6 carats.

Size: 
The necklace is 42.5cm in length.
The centre drop measures 39mm.
Weighs 7.67 grams

Condition: 
Excellent. No faults to note.