This 14k yellow gold lavalier necklace is set with an openworked oval centerpiece, set with three round-cut aquamarines, which are encircled by a border of small natural seed pearls. From this central pendant hang seven small chains which are interspersed with drilled seed pearls and terminate with a round-cut aquamarine.
'Lavalier necklaces' are designed with an integrated pendant or drop. These types of necklaces were made popular by the Duchesse de la Vallière, a mistress of King Louis XIV of France, and this name has stuck since the eighteenth century.
This type of necklace regained popularity in the Belle Époque era, when they were often made from very fine gold chains and studded with a combination of diamonds and pearls. In this example, the use of aquamarines instead of diamonds gives a surprising and colourful effect.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: wearing length 39,5 cm / 15.55 inches.
Pendant drop: 48 x 22 mm, including the tassels.
Weight: 5.40 grams
Age: Late 19th Century / early 20th Century, also known as the Belle Epoque era, circa 1900.
Material: Marked '585' and acid tested as 14k gold: the pendant is acid tested as 9k gold.
Condition: In great antique condition with only minor wear, consistent with age. One small pearl in the border of the central pendant was missing and has been replaced.
Please note that the antique box is for display purposes.