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Barnebys HQ
Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Jewellery & Gems / Elegant "Lavalliere" Necklace with Diamonds and Emeralds in Platinum, ca. 1925
Lavallière necklaces were a popular form of jewelry in the early 20th century. While in the United States this term generally referred to necklaces with pendants on delicate chains, in Europe—particularly in Germany—it denoted a more specific type of necklace featuring two pendants of unequal length. There is no consensus in the history of jewelry regarding the origin of the name. According to one interpretation, it derives from the French actress Ève Lavallière, who is said to have been particularly fond of wearing such necklaces. According to another theory, the term goes back to Louise de La Vallière, mistress of Louis XIV and later Duchess of La Vallière. Her name was associated with a bow-tied neckband featuring freely hanging ends. The term “Négligé-Collier” was also used for this same type of necklace. It alludes to the seemingly effortless elegance of the asymmetrical design and is derived from the French word négligé, meaning “casual” or “effortless.” Whatever one may call it, this necklace impressively demonstrates the elegance of this style of jewelry. Two delicate bars of varying lengths hang down from a horizontal element set with diamond roses and a narrow band of small green emeralds. Each bar features a beautiful old-cut diamond weighing approximately 0.32 carats. With every movement, the two bars sway gently, causing the diamonds to sparkle with particular vibrancy. With its combination of linear geometry and a fluid, asymmetrical design, the necklace stylistically bridges the transition from the Belle Époque to Art Deco. Its construction from solid platinum is exceptionally luxurious. Although platinum jewellery had already gained great popularity c. 1910, the Russian Revolution led to a near-total collapse in supplies from what had been the most important source country until then. Platinum became scarce and, consequently, precious. A fundamental change did not occur until the discovery of significant platinum deposits in South Africa’s Bushveld Complex beginning in 1924. As these deposits were gradually developed, the precious metal became available again in larger quantities and regained importance in jewelry design in the late 1920s. Against this backdrop, we date the necklace to the mid-1920s. It was most likely made in Germany.
Estimate:£2,531.3
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View all items fromHofer AntikschmuckorJewellery & Gems
Hammer price:
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Estimate:
£2,531.3
OCT 23 | 8:00 AM
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