Sumptuous Georgian Amethyst Necklace

All one has to do is to gaze upon this antique amethyst necklace to know why the color purple has been traditionally associated with royalty and power. More valuable than gold and perhaps one of the more expensive antique substances to manufacture, every classical culture of antiquity (Rome, Greece, Persia and Egypt) has used purple as the hallmark of the imperial standard. Medieval popes and kings alike wore robes dyed with what came to be known as “royal purple”.

Only the artistry of Georgian jewelers could have woven strands of 18k gold into chain that possesses the beauty and countenance to pair with these magnificent purple gemstones. Eight (8) natural amethysts have been hand faceted with a saw tooth and claw set mount. The stone in the clasp has been foiled and closed back; the seven others have been set with open back to take advantage of the properties of light to maximize refraction. Delicate and faultless granulation characteristic of this period highlights each surround. Beneath and on the reverse of the main amethyst is a small loop to attach a drop, if desired.

The entire necklace measures 16-1/2 inches in length (42.5 cm). Graduated in size, the stones range from 7/8 of an inch long by 5/8 of an inch wide for the largest (2.3 cm by 1.7 cm) to 9/16 of an inch in length by 7/16 of an inch in width for the smallest, including the stones in clasp (1.4 cm by 1.2 cm). In excellent condition with beautiful light patina on the chain. The amethysts, surrounds, and clasp are in near mint condition and are original to the piece. Very well matched in color with the center stone perhaps a tad deeper (appears even deeper in photos due to angle). The chain has several bends that smooth out when necklace is worn (see photos). English in origin and circa 1820. An exceptional jewel that is both an investment and a gift for generations to come.