One of the crown jewels of our recent acquisition endeavors, this outstanding necklace speaks to the Renaissance revival celebrated by French decorative arts in the early 20th century. Featuring a 2.78ct periwinkle sapphire cabochon, pearl studded strands of 18ct chain, and wonderful rose cut diamonds accented by emeralds, leading the eye to an estimated 4.2ct emerald drop, this remarkable necklace is one of the best in show for a more scarcely discussed. With hand wrought etchings on the reverse, and a mouthwatering emerald clasp, this necklace speaks to the many Renaissance masterworks on display at the Louvre during the turn of the 20th century. In the image index, we've included:

--Holbein's Elizabeth Seymore (Lady Cromwell) portrait, to underscore the renaissance shape of the circular, bezel set jewel (in Lady C's case, pearls, in our case, the sapphire cab), along side geometric gems (in lady C's necklace, diamonds, in our case, pearls with diamond star patterns)

--A Holbein sketch of Joan, Lady Meutas, from the Royal Collection archive of Henry the VIII's personal folder of drawings-- this I included for the drop reference, here rendered in emerald.

-- A Portrait of a Lady called Mary Boleyn, Lady Stafford (the other Boleyn girl!) I like the drop pearl featured, and the structure of the chains, it does remind me of this necklace. Let us recall that the Boleyn girls were educated more freely in France, and their stories were widely shared at the beginning of the 20th century. 

--Lastly, bringing in the bows with Portrait of a Young Woman “C A C,” dated 1565, attributed to Santi di Tito, Italian, Florentine. Bows were beloved by both the renaissance, and the Edwardian era. 

Materials and Features: 18ct yellow gold, pearl, sapphire, diamond

Age/Origin: c.1900

Marks: French hallmarked- sanglier (boar's head) and eagle. 

Condition: Excellent condition. 

Please view and inspect any photos closely. We endeavor to fully disclose all condition information clearly and concisely, however, please note that what qualifies as excellent condition for historical jewelry differs from modern and contemporary pieces; please take the age of the piece into account when examining the piece. Minor age wear is typical and to be expected for antique and vintage jewelry. Unless otherwise stated, gemstones have not been officially graded for color, clarity, or treatment by GIA; any information provided is our own educated, professional assessment.