An Elegant Emerald and Diamond Necklace |
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This lovely platinum, emerald and diamond necklace is an elegant treasure from an era gone by. During both the Edwardian and Art Deco periods, the metal of choice was cool, white platinum. The jewels of the Art Deco period featured bold primary colors. Gemstones such as emeralds, rubies and sapphires were contrasted with brilliant white diamonds and set in bold geometric designs. In contrast, the Edwardian period featured diamonds and soft pastel colored gemstones set in open, lace-like jewels. Because this striking pendant features elements of both periods, we attribute it to a transitional period between the Edwardian and Art Nouveau styles (circa 1915).
This elegant pendant features a rich bluish-green emerald (weighing approximately 0.84 carat) dangling beneath a wonderfully pierced and milgrained swag-like design. The Art Deco period is often assigned, by historians, to the period between the two World Wars (1920 - 1940); however, the designs and motifs we know as Art Deco actually emerged several years earlier. The term Art Deco is taken from the French International Exposition Des Arts Decoratifs. The Exposition was intended to take place around 1910, however was delayed due to World War I. Although the Exposition did not occur until 1925, the style was well under way and making it's mark amongst the major jewelry designers and retailers of the day. This pendant is a wonderful example of jewelry that was made in the early stages of the Art Deco period, while still capturing the spirit and lightness of the Edwardian style.
Cost: Sold |
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A close look at this wonderful necklace highlights the maker's exceptional attention to detail. The central swag motif is milgrained around the entire perimeter and each of the delicate cut-outs. The techniques of piercing and milgraining platinum were developed during the Edwardian period and further mastered in the Art Deco period. Each of the small round diamonds is bead-set along the pierced swag, with one larger round diamond bezel-set between the emerald and the swag frame. There are also six smaller round diamonds bezel-set in individually hinged links connecting the pendant to the neckchain. The 26 diamonds in this necklace total approximately 0.50 carats in weight. |
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From the back you can see how well made this lovely neckace truly is! The cut-out work and piercing is crisp and symmetrical. The collet-set diamonds connecting the swag motif to the neckchain are wonderfully shaped and individually hinged. Also, notice the heavy, sturdy underbezel supporting the emerald. From the front, this piece looks graceful and elegant, while from the back you can see how well the jewel was created with an emphasis on durability.
The platinum neckchain has a small gold extension chain added to the rear to increase its length. This extension could be easily removed. |
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The rich, deep bluish-green of this emerald will surely be the envy of all your friends. According to legend, emeralds are soothing to the eyes. In the case of this exquisite pendant, they can also be soothing to your pocketbook. Imagine the cost to make this pendant today, assuming you were a platinum smith who has mastered the techniques of the Edwardian and Art Deco styles. |
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