Antique Belle Epoque Art Deco Necklace Tassel gold silver diamonds pearls (7700)
Antique early 1900's Belle Epoque - Art Deco necklace pendant with tassle. Gold, silver, diamonds, pearls. Made circa 1910 -1925, likely in the United States or United Kingdom. Measurements: Weight is 13.2 grams. Length of chain, not including pendant/drop is 25 1/2 inches (65cm). Drop measures 4 3/4 inches (a little over 12cm). Description : A long white gold chain with periodic stations, set with small round faux pearls. Links are elongated, rounded, kite-shapes with elongated ovals in their centers. The two sides intersect around the solar-plexus/ below the bust, by an openwork triangle in the same style as the links above it. The links and pearls continue in a single line below this, reaching a diamond apex that tops an asymmetric scroll, set with diamonds and continued by a line of diamonds below. This leads to a semispherical 'cap', like the calyx of a flower, with each 'petal' beautifully set with small rose cut diamonds. The diamond cap suspends a very full tassle of small pearls, believed to be natural seed pearls, but not tested.(probably well over 200 pearls in this tassle). Marks and Metal: Pendant/drop is 18k gold, silver topped to show diamonds off to better effect. Spring loop at end of chain marked 14k and chain tests as 14k. Condition: Good with negligible wear commensurate with age. Spring loop clasp bent slightly out of shape. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer. THE STORY: During the early 1900's, fine jewelry was largely white metal (platinum or white gold, which were both innovations), diamonds and pearls. Belle Epoque jewelry was extremely fine as expressed by this necklace. As the decades progressed towards the early Art Deco era, woman wore long sautoirs - long chains that ended in tassles, very much like this one. The diamond and pearl theme indicate the earlier period. Workmanship is very fine. This is a great example of antique jewelry that does not conform to rigid stylistic rules. The Belle Epoque / Art Deco chain, Art Deco tassle and cap, so well represented by Cartier at the time and the diamond-set central scroll of the pendant that is reminiscent of the Art Nouveau era, but matches the drop perfectly.