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Resplendent Belle Époque Diamond Necklace with Detachable Pendant, circa 1910

€ 22,890.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Resplendent Belle Époque Diamond Necklace with Detachable Pendant, circa 1910

Description

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

The Belle Époque was devoted to the celebration of beauty. Buoyed by Europe's rising bourgeoisie, which had achieved prosperity during the long period of peace since the 1870s, art and culture, business and science experienced a previously unseen upswing. The joie de vivre of those years can also be seen in jewellery fashion: jewels became ever finer and whiter, and ever more precious. Rich diamond discoveries in South Africa and the spread of electric light contributed to the great fashion for white jewels. The necklace here is an impressive jewel from the late Belle Époque. Its present yet delicately crafted showpiece is set all over with diamonds gleaming in millegrain settings of platinum. In total, around 3.55 ct of diamonds are set in old brilliant cut or fine rose cuts. They make the design look as if created of pure light. The delicate curves and floral motifs reveal the influence of Art Nouveau, whose formal language was no longer represented only in artists' jewellery in the early years of the 20th century, but also in prestigious evening jewels. The chain of the necklace consists of the most delicate bars, so-called "knife wires", which almost disappear in the top view and derive their stability from the depth alone. To ensure that the precious piece can be worn as often as possible, the design surprises with a special feature. The centerpiece can be detached from the chain with the help of small screws. This turns the magnificent necklace into a pendant that can also be worn on a fine chain or a velvet ribbon. We were able to discover the necklace in Miami, but it was probably made in Europe. It is very well preserved.

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With the invention of gaslight and then electric light at the end of the 19th century, glistening brightness suddenly filled the ballrooms of Europe. No more dark, yellow candlelight, but the white glow of hundreds of lamps made the ladies' jewellery shine and glitter as never before. No wonder that a new fashion also emerged as a result of these developments: white jewels made of diamonds and silver responded to the new lighting conditions and replaced the previous more colorful designs. In general, jewellery became increasingly richly set with sparkling gems to create an ever more luxurious and rich appearance. At the great balls in Paris, London and St. Petersburg, ever more magnificent diamond necklaces were presented, as well as tiaras, brooches and rings, all dreams in white diamonds. The name of the era, the Belle Époque, still indicates the goal of this period: To shine in beauty. But even in the following decades, the fashion for white jewellery remained current, right up to the Art Deco of the 1920s. Only the materials of the settings changed. The rapidly tarnishing silver was first replaced by platinum settings and later by jewellery made entirely of platinum or the white gold developed shortly before the World War.

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Size & Details

In Beauty

€ 22,890.00 ^*

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.

Should you for some reason not be satisfied, please don’t hesitate to contact us so that we can find a solution together. In any case, you can return any article within one month and we will refund the full purchase price.

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