A fantastic antique German sentimental gold necklace, ornately decorated with turquoise and seed pearls, circa 1840.

This necklace is an excellent example of German mid-19th century ‘Biedermeier’ jewellery, with its sought after combination of silvery seed pearls and ‘robin’s egg’ turquoise cabochons of varying sizes. Turquoise jewellery first gained popularity in Great Britain around 1830, eventually spreading across continental Europe. The stone was thought to possess various protective qualities, shielding its wearer from harm and symbolising true love. Its vibrant colour, similar to ‘Forget-me-not’ flowers, made turquoise jewellery a popular gift, intended to keep the giver close to the wearer's thoughts. The necklace is constructed of scrolled links, whilst the central panel adjoins to two decorative dangle drop ornaments, each one 5cm long.

The necklace has been cleverly crafted to maximise the use of the gold, since all of decorative gold links are hollow. The hollow design has been hammered into place - technique known as ‘repoussé’. In the Georgian and early Victorian periods, this was a particularly popular method of making a little amount gold go a long way, particularly in times of gold shortage. The necklace is crafted in 15K gold and weighs 9.18 grams in total.

Condition: Despite its hollow structure, the necklace remains in excellent condition. Apart from the small gold spring-bolt clasp, which is a later replacement (and in 9K gold), all of the necklace parts are original and all the stones are securely set.

The elegant drapery shape exemplifies the predominant form worn during the period with areas of both sectioned and interlinked components designed to move, swish and glisten more beautifully in candlelight. The long chain also accommodated the early 19th century preference for low necklines, leaving a visual gap to be filled by a statement necklace.

The necklace measures 42cm in length. The gem-set central panel measures 4.5cm x 3cm.

A truly gorgeous mid-19th century statement piece!

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German 'Forget-Me-Not' Necklace