Necklaces | Antique

Antique necklaces. With the ascension of Queen Victoria to the British throne in 1837 and her influence on fashion and manners necklaces largely disappeared. The necklaces made were short and featured naturalistic elements - fruit, berries and flowers. Queen Victoria’s engagement ring was a serpent and by far the most popular necklace of the 1840s and early 1850s was the serpent biting its tail with a heart shaped pendant between its teeth –the symbol of eternal love. These ranged from the modest to the head or entire necklace set with turquoise, diamonds or precious gems.

The décolletage and necklaces returned to fashion with increasing prosperity and the influence of the fashionable Eugenie in the 1860s and 70s. Fringe necklaces and necklaces epitomising the Classic Revivals - ARCHEOLOGICAL, ETRUSCAN, EGYPTIAN, RENAISSANCE and GOTHIC REVIVAL movements- became popular. These were of gold and incorporated drops of different Hellenic classical designs. Cameos , intaglios, ancient coins, micro mosaic with rich gold work of beads, motifs and gold techniques copied from or inspired by Hellenistic pieces.

In the last quarter of the century the increased availability of diamonds following the opening of the South African mines and diamonds became the preeminent gem incorporated into necklaces, chokers , colliers de chien, rivieres and fringe necklaces (which became increasingly light and delicate towards the end of the century) often convertible into tiaras. The end of the century saw the increased popularity of short pearl necklaces in various flower or star designs with a detachable pendant drop or as colliers de chien.

ANTIQUE TURQUOISE DIAMOND GOLD AND SILVER FORGET-ME-NOT NECKLACE

A superb necklace for all sorts of occasions, particularly with holidays, parties and Christmas so close. Imagine worn with a party or beach dress in an Australian summer.

2001 2816

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An antique gold enamel and diamond love token necklace

The perfect gift-of-love jewel - from yourself or another.

20008604

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Antique diamond and sapphire heart locket pendant

Always the favourite shape for a locket.

20005986

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Antique diamond and demantoid garnet set pendant

You won’t be able to wait for St. Patrick’s Day to wear this.

20000448

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A fine antique diamond pendant / brooch / hair ornament

With typical Victorian practicality this very fine impressive and curiously contemporary looking jewel has most jewellery requirements covered.

20000424

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ANTIQUE FRENCH 18CT GOLD AND SEED PEARLS PHOTO LOCKET

Beautifully simple but still richly detailed for an everyday antique French gold locket.

2001 3806

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Antique diamond target brooch/pendant in silver topped gold

This multi-purpose brooch and pendant is right on target for contemporary lifestyles combining bold design with the charm and individuality of antique detail.

2000.2753

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