An Antique Coral And Yellow Gold Swag Necklace

An Antique Coral And Yellow Gold Swag Necklace

Description

An antique coral and yellow gold swag necklace, comprising three graduated circular gold bosses alternating with a single coral pippin drop, each boss with Etruscan style wirework decoration to border, circular coral cabochon clusters applied to centre and hair compartment to reverse, gold chain swags linking all, original dark green fitted case, circa 1860, measuring approximately 38 x 2.6cm, gross weight 31.4 grams (excluding case).

An alluring Etruscan revival necklace. This necklace was created in the mid-nineteenth century, when archaeological expeditions brought new discoveries from the ancient world to the forefront of culture. The styles of the ancient world became very popular to reproduce in jewellery. This necklace features coral, a stone used in jewellery for thousands of years. The Etruscan style wirework decoration and coral recall the ancient world, while the swag style places this necklace in the mid-nineteenth century. The centre coral cluster, when turned over, has a small locket in which is encased a lock of hair. The style of this necklace indicates that this is most likely not a piece of mourning jewellery, but instead, the hair may have belonged to the wearer’s sweetheart. A romantic and wonderful piece.