Lilac Amethyst Multi-Strand Necklace with Antique Gold/Amethyst Pendant
SKU: 1478
£560.00Price
- The centre piece, although worn on the side, is this enchanting and detailed antique Victorian (circa 1880), 9K gold amethyst and seed pearl pendant. It was originally a brooch which I then altered to become a pendant. There are so many delightful elements on this Victorian piece with the fleur- de- lis on either end, the crescent of seed pearls, and the large amethyst set in the centre. It is 1 3/4 inches long (4.5cm) and 1/2 inch wide (1.5 cm).
- To set off the Victorian piece I have added on either end, a vintage, 18K gold on hardened resin bead from Afghanistan (6 mm), and cultured freshwater pearls (4mm).
- The Afghani have been crafting gold for centuries. When Alexander the Great came to Afghanistan in 330 BC, his people brought many skills, one of which was working in gold. Like the Romans, centuries later, a yellow, 18 ct gold was used. But one of their techniques was to take sheet gold and work it onto hardened resin and then decorate it accordingly.
- And that is how these vintage Afghan gold beads have been made. For me, this handiwork and the yellow gold colour gives the necklace warmth and character and complements the gems.
- The three strands of natural amethyst beads are made up of 4 mm beads and 8 mm beads. These strands also carry the vintage Afghan 18K gold beads and the freshwater pearls.
- Amethyst is the birthstone for February.
- The clasp is a 14K gold toggle clasp. I prefer using toggle clasps because they are easy to use and quite secure.
- The necklace comes, like all my necklaces, with it's own colour co-ordinated silk brocaded pouch bag, made by a Shanghai tailor.
- The necklace is 19 1/2 inches long (50 cm)
