This is a classic Edwardian négligée - it was popular around 1900, and describes a necklace in which two pendant drops were allowed to hang at different lengths. The name comes from the French négligé, meaning casually or artfully arranged: asymmetry was the vibe, with the drops moving independently against the wearer’s décolletage. Two fantastic golden citrines appear in an unusual elongated fancy cut, while ten old European-cut diamonds serve to highlight their honey-colored sparkle. To me, most showstopping is the fact that the necklace survives in its original fitted leather box, made specifically for this necklace and still holding it in its intended arrangement more than a century later.
thedetails
- Materials
14k gold (tests), silver, 9mm x 6.5mm oval faceted citrine, 13.5mm x 10mm fancy cut citrines, 10 2.5mm old European cut diamonds, leatherette box
- Age
c. 1900
- Condition
Very good - necklace comes in its original fitted box
- Size
15" length, 2" drop
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Aboutthe
EdwardianEra
1900 — 1910
The jewelry tended toward airy lightness, often in the form of lacy filigree. The world was changing rapidly, but lots of the jewelry still reflected the Victorian ideals of decorum and femininity. Ancient Roman and Greek influences remained popular. “White” jewelry became popular as plentiful deposits of platinum were discovered in Russia and improved smelting technology made it possible for jewelers to work in the noble metal. Platinum was seldom used by jewelers in earlier years owing both to its scarcity and high melting point. The jewelry trade took advantage of its rigid strength to create opulent openwork settings for increasingly brilliant diamonds. The old European cut was perfected, rounder and squatter than old mine. This took stone-cutting one step closer to the mathematically perfect round brilliant cut, which is the most popular diamond cut today. The now-iconic square Asscher cut was patented in 1902. Hot on the heels of platinum, the alloy mixture that produces white gold was formulated and patented in 1915 in New York City. With Europe in the grip of WW1, the American jewelry industry was poised to become a world leader and innovator.
please note:Terms of Sale
Antiques can be returned unworn and in original condition within 10 days of delivery for an exchange or refund minus the cost of shipping. Once a piece has been altered, including ring re-sizing, it is FINAL SALE.