Peruvian Opal Double Strand Necklace with Antique Afghan Gold Pendant
SKU: 2148
£890.00Price
- This is such a charming necklace, using two precious elements: Antique gold and Peruvian opal.
- At the centre of the two strands, which creates a garland shape, there is an antique, 18ct gold on hardened resin pendant from Afghanistan. Such a pendant is now a rare item in gold. I found this piece on my travels and was delighted because of this yellow, 18ct gold, which is reminiscent of ancient jewellery. The panel has been embossed with a female portrait, designed in the Hellenistic style, with flowing locks and a high waisted dress. The neck of the dress is scooped to reveal a necklace around the sitter’s neck. The pendant is 1 1/2 inches long (4 cm) x 1 1/4 inches wide (3 cm).
- The Afghani have been crafting gold for centuries. When Alexander the Great came to Afghanistan, his people brought many skills, one of which was working in gold. Like the Romans, centuries later, a yellow, 18ct was used. One of their complex techniques was to take sheet gold and work it onto hardened resin and then decorate it accordingly. For me, this handiwork and the yellow gold colour gives the necklace warmth and character and complements the gems.
- The pendant is supported by two strands of carved squares of natural Peruvian opal, 11 mm. They are such a warm and brilliant teal blue colour, each with its own veins, patterns and tonal variation. Peruvian opal has become a scarce gemstone, which makes this quite a special necklace.
- The two strands feed into two vintage, Afghan gold on silver on hardened resin beads (10mm).
- A 14ct gold vermeil toggle clasp has been used because toggle clasps are easy to use and secure. My silver name label is attached at the clasp.
- The necklace comes, like all my necklaces, with its own colour co-ordinated silk brocaded pouch bag, made by a Shanghai tailor.
- The necklace is 42.5 cm (16 3/4")long.
