A Cascade of Bows: Victorian Gold and Pearl Necklace

This exquisite vintage necklace, dating back to circa 1890 during the Grand Victorian Period, showcases a playful and sophisticated design with its a-chute of bow motifs in 18K yellow gold filigree. The motifs gracefully transition from smaller bows at the back to larger, more elaborate ones at the front, paired with luminous seed pearls that add a fresh and light-hearted charm. The intricate filigree, reminiscent of fine lace, reflects a period of cultural richness and ornamental prowess, capturing a joyful essence through its detailed craftsmanship.

Antique jewelry object group
necklace

Condition
very good condition
more info on our condition scale

Country of origin
unknown

Style
Victorian - Victorian decorative arts refers to the style of decorative arts during the Victorian era. The Victorian era is known for its eclectic revival and interpretation of historic styles and the introduction of cross-cultural influences from the middle east and Asia in furniture, fittings, and Interior decoration. Victorian design is widely viewed as having indulged in a regrettable excess of ornament. The Arts and Crafts movement, the aesthetic movement, Anglo-Japanese style, and Art Nouveau style have their beginnings in the late Victorian era.
See also: Victorian
more info on styles

Style specifics
The Grand Victorian Period - Experts divide the reign of Queen Victoria, also called The Victorian era (1837 - 1901) into three periods of about twenty years each; The Romantic Victorian Period (1837 - 1860), The Grand Victorian Period (1860 - 1880), and the Late or Aesthetic Victorian Period (1880 - 1901).

We consider this to be of the Grand Victorian Period.

This second Victorian period is famous for its ostentatious pieces set with pearls and diamonds (from South Africa). From ca. 1850 wealthy English had reported about jewelry from India and Japan, which heavily inspired the jewelers of this period. This period also corresponds with the death of Queen Victoria's husband King Albert making mourning jewelry (set with heavy dark stones) the type of jewelry specific for this period.

Period
ca. 1890
Events & facts of this era, poetry of this era, fashion of this era.

Material 18K
yellow gold (touchstone tested)
more info on precious metals

Technique
Filigree (formerly written filigrann or filigrane) is a delicate kind of jewel work made with twisted threads usually of gold and silver or stitching of the same curving motifs. It often suggests lace and French from 1660 to the late 19th century. It should not be confused with ajoure jewellery work; while both have many open areas, filigree involves threads being soldered together to form an object and ajoure involves holes being punched, drilled, or cut through an existing piece of metal. (from: Wikipedia)

Precious stones
seed pearls

Birthstones
Pearl is the birthstone (or month stone) for June.
more info on birthstones

Hallmarks
Illegible remains.
more info on hallmarks

Dimensions
total length 42,00 cm (16,54 inch)
see picture with a ruler in millimeters and inches

Weight
12,80 gram (8,23 dwt)

Adin Reference Nº
24086-0039

Copyright photography
Adin, fine antique jewellery

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