Volendam Coral Necklace with Gold Clasp – A Dutch Devotional Jewel of Remarkable Scale

A jewel of solemn beauty, this traditional Dutch necklace reveals more than adornment. Worn in Volendam, a fishing village in the Netherlands still known for its folkloric dress, it weaves together faith, identity and remembrance. At its centre, a hand rises beneath the All-Seeing Eye, watched over by mourning angels whose hidden faces seem to whisper stories of loss and devotion. The generous coral beads, some reaching an impressive 16 mm, lend the piece both visual weight and quiet presence. To wear it is to step into a lineage of belief and belonging, silently passed down through generations.

Jewellery type
Antique Dutch necklace traditionally worn in Volendam (also known as estate jewelry in some parts of the world).

Condition
Very good condition, especially considering the age of the jewel.
More info on our condition scale

Country of origin
Netherlands

Style
Victorian – Victorian decorative arts refer to the style of the period, known for its eclectic revival of historic styles and influences from the Middle East and Asia. This era embraced ornamental excess and gave rise to movements such as Arts and Crafts, the Aesthetic Movement, Anglo-Japanese style and Art Nouveau.
See also: Victorian , more info on styles

Style specifics
This jewel belongs to the tradition of regional Dutch jewellery, particularly that of Volendam. For centuries, various Dutch regions developed distinctive dress and associated jewellery. Such pieces reflected religious affiliation, marital status and social standing. The central element combines Christian iconography with devotional imagery, including the All-Seeing Eye, an upraised black hand and mourning angels, all framed in layered goldwork.

Period
ca. 1925
Events & facts of this era, poetry of this era, fashion of this era.

Material
14K pink gold
More info on precious metals

Technique
This jewel combines filigree and granulation, two highly skilled goldsmithing techniques. The delicate twisted wire and tiny gold granules are applied with great precision. Behind glass, the central image is further enriched with hairwork, a sentimental detail often found in devotional or mourning pieces.

Precious stones
• 81 natural Mediterranean coral beads, distributed over three strands with 30, 27 and 24 beads respectively
• Individually knotted, graduated in size, with bead diameters ranging from approx. 12 to 16 mm

Weight, colour and clarity were assessed while the stones remained set, in order to maintain the jewel’s original condition. The values given should therefore be considered expert approximations.

Hallmarks
• Oak leaf hallmark (Netherlands, 1907–1952), indicating a gold alloy of at least 14K
• Maker’s mark: G1R, for Rozendaal NV, Royal Gold and Silver Industry, formerly Gebroeders Rozendaal, Hoorn (active approx. 1926–1972)
• Master's registration number: 73048
More info on hallmarks

Dimensions
• Length of strands (excluding clasp): approx. 33 cm (13.0 in) to 40 cm (15.7 in)
• Total wearable length including clasp: approx. 40 cm (15.7 in) to 47 cm (18.5 in)
• Central gold element (excluding side connectors): approx. 4.0 cm (1.57 in) high Χ 4.5 cm (1.77 in) wide
• Total width of clasp including hooked side elements: approx. 7.0 cm (2.76 in)
• Height of the clasp at its highest point: approx. 4.0 cm (1.57 in)
See picture with a ruler in millimetres and inches

Weight
350.20 gram (225.18 dwt)

Interested in this piece?
Contact us for high-resolution images or a video consultation.

Adin Reference NΊ
25141-0143

Copyright photography
Adin Fine Vintage & Antique Jewellery

Additional information
our latest acquisitions
jewellery glossary
wall of fame
visit us in Antwerp
subscribe to our mailinglist