Antique Natural Saltwater Pearl Fringe Necklace

Fringe necklaces trace their origins back millennia to the Greeks and Egyptians. Yet it was not until the mid of the 19th century that this form shook the Western world with its style and grace. This motif lent itself to any number of interpretations and with a myriad of possible gemstones, lengths and materials.

This particular circa 1900 example employs several of the cardinal aspects of the components we have come to appreciate as truly Edwardian. White as the palette and the use of pearls and diamonds as materials of choice. Taking a major role is a series of natural pearls which include seed, saltwater and freshwater pearls. Set along the top of a length of 14k yellow gold chain are sixteen (16) delightfully small seed pearls. The drape of the fine oval link curb chain is set with fourteen (14) old European cut diamonds of an estimated total 1.6 carats.

Perfectly centered with symmetry at the zenith is a natural freshwater pearl drop suspended from a diamond to a diamond encrusted leaf element surmount. Flanking the large 6 mm by 7.5 mm by 9 mm center pearl is a series of graduated in size twelve (12) natural saltwater pearl drops approximately 4 mm by 5 mm by 6 mm. The pearls are well matched with color ranging from creamy with hints of purple and pink to that of creamy white with golden touches. Overall, the luster is good and the surface of each pearl is smooth and fine.

Accompanied by a Gemological Institute of America (GIA) certificate stating that only the one freshwater and twelve large saltwater drop pearls were tested and certified to be natural.

Date: Circa 1900.

+ Measurements, Condition & More