Magnificent Sapphire and Diamond Necklace in Silver on Gold, c. 1895

At the Stroke of Midnight

Magnificent Sapphire and Diamond Necklace in Silver on Gold, c. 1895

€ 98,980.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Description

This description was automatically translated from German. If you have any questions about this piece of jewellery, we will be happy to help!

This necklace tells of brightly lit rooms, crackling silk, and champagne coupes, of the glittering balls of a bygone era – in a roundelay of midnight blue sapphires and diamond bows, it makes us dream of the Belle Époque, a time dedicated to the celebration of beauty. Between the end of the Franco-Prussian War in 1871 and the beginning of the First World War in 1914, peace prevailed in Europe, and this peace and a financially strong bourgeoisie led to a flourishing luxury sector. More jewellery was made in those years than ever before. The quality of jewellery also increased, and the most beautiful designs of those years were created with a view to providing a suitable setting for particularly precious coloured stones. Eleven impressive sapphires of an incomparable colour inspired the creation of this necklace. They are characterized by a radiant blue, at once deep and luminous. They are arranged in graduation so that the largest stone of around 3.05 ct rests on the décolleté, while the smallest ones adorn the back of the neck. The clasp disappears discreetly beneath one of them, so that nothing disturbs the flow of over twenty carats of precious sapphires. Each of the sapphires is surrounded by a ring of old-cut diamonds, which further intensify the blue colour in contrast and accompany it with a firework of light reflections. Elegant, three-dimensional loops are set between the sapphires in their diamond entourages. These are also set with diamonds and lovingly detailed with small engravings on the back, which imitate the folds of the fabric. The diamonds are arranged so lightly, so naturally, almost discreetly in their supporting and yet so important secondary role, that it is hard to believe that 12.30 ct of fine diamonds are shining here. The immense material value of the necklace makes it clear that the piece must have once belonged to a high-ranking person, perhaps the wife of a successful industrialist or the daughter of a noble family. A lady of the Belle Époque usually came into possession of important jewels at her wedding, as it was customary in those years to give the bride precious jewellery. Opulent pearl or diamond necklaces were usually a gift from the bride's parents or groom. These jewels were not only intended to delight the bride, but were also part of a married lady's necessary accoutrements: in high circles, it would have been unthinkable to attend a ball, the opera or an elegant evening reception without precious diamond and gemstone jewellery. We discovered this beautiful necklace in France. Small hallmarks on the clasp prove that it was imported to France after 1994. It was most probably made in Germany.

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The sapphires in this necklace most likely originate from Ceylon, now Sri Lanka. This is suggested by their color and the fine, cloudy inclusions typical of Ceylon sapphires. The necklace was therefore at the height of fashion in the last years of the 19th century. "Jewellery with Ceylon sapphires is of truly enchanting splendour, and fashion is currently very much in favour of them," wrote the ladies' journal Der Bazar about the latest jewelry fashion in 1896. Quote from: Der Bazar. Illustrirte Damen-Zeitung, 42nd year 1896, no. 26, p. 321.

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Size & Details

Material:	Eleven natural sapphires, most probably from Ceylon, star cut, oval, total approx. 20.65 ct (of which the largest alone approx. 3.05 ct), max. 7.3 x 10.0 mm 304 old European and old mine cut diamonds, total approx. 12.05 ct, G – M-Z, vsi-si 53 rose-cut diamonds, total approx. 0.25 ct, good color and clarity Gold 585/000, equivalent to 14 carats Silver
Hallmarks:	Later French import marks in the form of a scallop shell for 585/000 gold (in use from 1994) and a swan for silver (in use from 1893) applied to the clasp's catch
Size:	The smallest sapphire elements 1.1 x 1.2 cm, the largest of the elements 1.3 x 1.5 cm 41.1 cm long (closed)
Weight:	30.4 g
Condition:	Very good
More:	There is a fold-out eyelet under the central element into which a pendant can be hooked
Certificate:	Supplied with a detailed appraisal by the Gemmologisches Labor Austria, Vienna, dated February 14, 2025. Determined replacement value: 110,000 euros.
Product Safety:	The company responsible within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2023/988 on general product safety is: Hofer Antikschmuck, Hofer & Dröge oHG, Schlesische Str. 31, 10997 Berlin, Germany. You can reach us by telephone at +49 30 44030641 and by e-mail at mail@hofer-antikschmuck.de.
Item ID:	25-0173

At the Stroke of Midnight

€ 98,980.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Our Promise

We want you to be 100% satisfied! For that reason, we examine, describe and photograph all of our jewellery with the utmost care.

You can rely on our years of experience in the trade and our expertise as a professional art historians for reviews of the antique jewellery. As a member of various trade organisations and the British Society of Jewellery Historians, we remain committed to the highest possible degree of accuracy. In our descriptions, we always also indicate any signs of age and defects and never hide them in our photos – this saves you from any unpleasant surprises when your package arrives.

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At the Stroke of Midnight

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