Antique Negligé Necklace with Old Cut Diamonds, c. 1910

In the early 20th century, a new form of necklace quickly conquered Europe. Younger women in particular, who wanted to keep up with the latest changes in fashion, adorned themselves with it: We are talking about the so-called lavallière, also known as the negligee necklace. Two pendulums of different lengths are attached to a decorative element like the unequal ends of a silk bow and form the showpiece of the necklace - just as if the bow had been tied in a hurry. The result is charming and casual, especially in contrast to the precious materiality of the necklace. This example is also sumptuously decorated, as an old-cut diamond hangs from a central section with three diamond roses. The long, slender pendulums are movably mounted so that the large diamonds, which together weigh approx. 0.44 ct, radiate light and fire with every movement. Further, smaller diamond roses sit on the bars like little pearly dewdrops. The necklace is a jewel typical of the Belle Époque and was created around 1910. It certainly accompanied a lady of the bourgeoisie on many evenings full of glittering lights and sparkling champagne - and yet it is still in excellent condition today. We discovered the necklace in Schleswig-Holstein, and it was probably made in Germany.

Estimate:$1,673.2

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