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 sapphire and diamond necklace
A particularly lovely sapphire double pendant necklace you will wear all the time.
2000.5979
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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 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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Antique 18th century geometric pendant of old cut diamonds in oxidised silver
A lovely mellow eighteenth century diamond pendant for so many occasions. Just superb. It is not often you see such a piece. Featured here with an Art Deco Old European cut diamond and platinum chain. (20003234)
20010546 SOLD
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Antique diamond snowflake pendant
Imagine one hundred of these snowflakes on your Christmas tree. But then imagine just this one under your tree for the best Christmas ever.
20000981 SOLD
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An Antique gilt and paste locket pendant
A slim medium sized locket pendant that you can wear every day is often surprisingly difficult to find, with gilt and paste proving the right inexpensive jewellery can look wonderful.
20010157 SOLD
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An antique bloomed gold and rhodolite garnet pendant
A beautiful pendant of richly textured gold and leaves embellished with rich red garnets.
20010096 SOLD
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Authentic antique, vintage and estate jewellery
26 Howey Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia (03) 9671 3955