Necklace - 14 kt. Yellow gold Pearl - 30 gold beads + clasp

A remarkable vintage Japanese pearl necklace composed of a single continuous 248 cm strand of approximately 1,180 cultured pearls. The exceptionally long strand is punctuated every 40 pearls by a diamond-cut 14k gold bead, creating a subtle rhythm of warm gold throughout the design for an approximate total of 7g of 14k gold between the beads and the clasp. The necklace originates from Nii (尼伊), a historic Japanese jeweller established in 1790 in Shinsaibashi, Osaka. The company adopted the name Amai in 1963 and remains in operation today. As the original case bears the earlier 尼伊 (Nii) name, the necklace can therefore be dated to before 1963. The extraordinary length makes the necklace highly versatile: it can be worn dramatically long or wrapped several times around the neck to create a rich, layered effect, or a choker. The small pearls have a soft creamy-white colour and excellent lustre, beautifully contrasted by the faceted 14k gold beads. An unusual and highly distinctive piece of 1950s-1960s Japanese pearl jewellery, combining an impressive quantity of pearls with an elegant, understated use of gold and documented provenance from one of Osaka's historic jewellery houses. Hallmark and location: K14 G hallmark on the clasp, indicating 14k gold under Japanese marking conventions. No separate maker’s mark is visible. The necklace is presented in its original Nii (尼伊), Shinsaibashi, Osaka case. Pearls: Approximately 1,180 Japanese cultured freshwater pearls, approximately 3.5 mm in diameter. The continuous strand is punctuated every 40 pearls by a diamond-cut 14k gold bead. Dimensions: Approximately 248 cm total length, consisting of one continuous strand. Condition / defects / restorations: Very good vintage condition. No known restorations and no damage. The original case shows signs of age and use consistent with its age. Provenance / dating: From Nii (尼伊), the historic Shinsaibashi, Osaka jeweller established in 1790, which changed its name to Amai in 1963 and remains in operation today. As the original case bears the earlier Nii name, the necklace can be dated to before 1963. Shipping and insurance: Shipped securely packaged, fully insured for the purchase value and with tracking.

Estimate:£760.33

View all items fromCatawikiorJewellery & Gems