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Barnebys HQ
Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Jewellery & Gems / Extra-Long Akoya Cultured Pearl Necklace, c. 1980
The pearl necklace is one of the great classics of European jewelry history. For centuries, pearls have been regarded as a symbol of elegance, purity, and refined taste. But it was not until the invention of the cultured pearl by the Japanese Kokichi Mikimoto at the beginning of the 20th century that high-quality pearl jewelry became accessible to a wider circle of enthusiasts. Whether worn as a short choker, a multi-strand necklace, or a long sautoir—pearls lend even simple dresses an unmistakable air of elegance. The necklace we are presenting here consists of 254 endlessly knotted saltwater cultured pearls, each with a diameter of approximately 6.7 millimeters. Particularly appealing is their delicate, slightly golden body color, accompanied by a subtle pinkish overtone. The pearls are uniformly round, show only a few natural growth marks, and possess a beautiful luster ranging from medium to very good quality. It is precisely this subtle interplay of varying light reflections that gives the necklace a lively radiance without disrupting the harmonious overall impression. With a total length of about 190 centimeters, this necklace is one of the exceptionally long strands of pearls worn as a sautoir. This style enjoyed its greatest popularity during the Roaring Twenties. The modern woman of that era preferred long, flowing pearl necklaces that extended well past the waist or were wrapped multiple times around the neck. They harmonized perfectly with the clean-lined silhouettes of Art Deco and lent every movement an elegant lightness. Icons such as Coco Chanel made the long pearl sautoir one of the most influential pieces of jewellery of the 20th century and a symbol of self-assured femininity. This necklace, dating from around 1980, draws directly on that great era of fashion. It can be worn in the classic long style, wrapped several times around the neck, or creatively draped, offering numerous ways to style it. Its excellent condition and exceptional length make it an elegant and timeless piece of jewellery that brings the charm of the Golden Twenties to life to this day.
Estimate:£1,702.99
To the auctionView all items fromHofer AntikschmuckorJewellery & Gems
Estimate:
£1,702.99
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