1920s Marcasite & Onyx Sautoir Necklace
No.340
A stylish and surprisingly modern necklace was made in Germany dating in the 1920s. This necklace is of great quality and this is shown in all of it's detail. A basket of marcasite studded flowers set into silver is riveted onto a panel of black onyx. The pendant is hung from a details marcasite set bale. This necklace is rare because the pendant remains strung to it's original black beaded silver sautoir chain.
The chain itself is very fine with a subtle twisted, faceted design. There is an alternating pattern of black glass beads that run along the length of the chain.
This necklace was bought as a set with a pair of matching Marcasite Earrings which you can find here.
HOW TO WEAR:
Although the colours and design of the necklace make it versatile to wear with casual and formal clothes, it is very delicate. There is no clasp to the chain as this time of sautoir necklace is meant to just be "thrown" over your head. It is meant to sit quite long and this makes it vulnerable to catching on things and the chain could break. So care should be taken when wearing it to prevent snags and keep the black onyx from being banged on tables etc.
Because of the delicate marcasite stones it is recommended these earrings not be submersed into any kind of water or chemicals. So don't shower with them and try to put them on last after spraying your perfume or hairspray. I would recommend cleaning it using a silver polishing cloth or wiping with a soft damp cloth.
Condition:
Excellent antique condition - all stones in place, no cracks to the onyx panel and original chain. It seems as though this necklace has never been worn! It should be noted that there is some glue residue around the flower basket which is typical for any jewellery of the period having been set onto the onyx. You can only really see it when searching for and it is very faint.
Era: Art Deco 1920s.
Measurements:
The chain measures 40cm in length (as it hangs so doubled for full length). The pendant adds an additional 5.5cm including the bale.
The pendant measures 3.5cm wide and sits 0.5cm high.
Hallmarks: Stamped "STERLING GERMANY" which would have been for export.
Materials: Marcasite (pyrite), Onyx, Silver
Provenance: Germany (exported to USA).
