Art Nouveau 18K Solid Gold Drapery Necklace c. 1900

This whimsical antique 18k gold drapery necklace takes obvious influence from Art Nouveau architecture, which frequently featured arches. Inlaid into the arches are delicately wrought roses and stems, complete with meticulously crafted leaves. It's incredible to see the detailing on the roses as each tiny piece of gold has been sculpted to give a sense of realism. In Victorian language of flowers, roses represented different things according to their color, but most commonly were a symbol of love, a sentiment that has persisted until modern day.

This style of necklace, called a “draperie” was a popular form among Parisian jewelers around 1900-10. This one is particularly exceptional due to the addition of fine chain embellishments accented with natural pearls. The necklace is stamped with French 18K gold marks, as well as an illegible maker’s mark. This type of necklace is a highly collectible piece that is difficult to come by as their lightweight and delicate nature meant they were often broken then smelted with time.

Material: 18K gold (eagle head hallmark)
Weight: 7.05 g
Period: Art Nouveau c. 1900
Length: 20" or 52 cm

Please check all photos, descriptions, and measurements thoroughly. Contact me if you have any questions and I'll be happy to answer.

All items in the shop are shipped with tracking and insurance within 48 hours of receiving an order. Items over 250 euros are shipped via Colissimo Express so that your item is in your hands as quickly as possible.