Classic Vintage Gold Fringe Necklace, Vicenza, c. 1960

The fringe necklace, also known as the Cleopatra necklace, is an integral part of mid-century jewellery fashions. After the war, prosperity returned in many places, and this was often displayed in the form of heavy gold chains and bracelets, to which the fringed necklace added a welcome new twist. This piece of jewellery is just such a piece. It weighs an impressive 43 g and is made from 14-karat yellow gold. Thanks to the movable elements, it is soft and comfortable to wear and hugs the décolleté perfectly. Textures could also be wonderfully implemented in the new gold jewelry of the time. "Textures fascinate craftsmen today more than ever before", wrote Graham Hughes, then secretary of the historic Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, the English professional association of goldsmiths, as early as 1963 (Hughes, Modern Jewelry, London 1963). We see this here too, as polished surfaces can be seen alongside patterns reminiscent of textile cords. This creates a rich, effective play of light on the warm gold, and the pieces of jewellery do without any trimming. According to its hallmark, the necklace was made in Italy, more precisely in the province of Vicenza. It bears the register mark of the goldsmith Vezzarro Ida di Giovanni Battista, which was based in Via dei Mille 20 in Vicenza until 1971. It is in excellent condition and a wearable piece of midcentury jewelry history.

Estimate:£5,497.42

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