Stunning 18ct Antique Bead and Intaglio Collar Chain

A remarkable necklace in 18ct gold, set with 6 Victorian intaglios, and one extremely covert cameo, masquerading as an intaglio, this wonderful necklace is simply divine. Carefully curated over what must have been a century, the collector who assembled all of these treasures into one place must have treated them as charms from a charm bracelet, each speaking to a specific interest or focus. Beginning from the left, a gorgeous intaglio of a fox chasing a hart through the woods, sees the two animals in animated conversation-- followed by an intaglio of a ship at sea, her sales threatening to drag her under if the storm does not quell. Next, a large oval bloodstone of a herculean youth with his spear, draws the eye to the next intaglio of an anatomically accurate Apollo breaking dawn with his trusty steeds in the clouds. But who could resist, our very favorite dark academic, Shakespeare, who presides over the necklace next, glanced at sidelong by a grecian Muse, the pair of whom is finally observed by an Elizabethan noblewoman (our singular carnelian Cameo!)

Overall, a stunning piece!

Materials and Features: 18ct, Carnelian, Onyx, Bloodstone

Age/Origin: American, circa 19th Century-- all of the pieces are pre 1910, I believe, and are just wonderful. Beautifully assembled.

Measurements: 16.5", 39.8 grams

Condition: Excellent condition. 

A historical note on Intaglio Jewelry:   

Intaglio and cameo jewelry comprises stones and materials that are carved to represent objects, humans, and scenes in an artistic or impressionable way that often serve a dual purpose. Intaglios are carved into the negative spaces as opposed to cameos, which are carved into the positive space. This carving is meant to be impressed into wax to seal correspondence, or identify the wearer's signature.

Signet rings were typically made entirely of gold or featured carved gemstones or intaglios. Rings are often considered the favored medium for sporting intaglios. Wax was melted onto documents and the top of the ring was impressed into the wax, leaving a clear and permanent mark. To denote the ring’s wearer, signets were comprised of identifying marks, such as coats of arms, monograms, family seals, or initials.

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.