DATE: Art Deco, c.1920

A stunning natural pearl necklace dating from the Art Deco period, circa 1920. The stones are graduated towards the centre, and it's complete with the original diamond set clasp in 14 karat white gold and millegrain platinum.

Natural pearls must be one of nature's finest wonders. They've been prized as gemstones for their beauty and scarcity since ancient times, indeed the very word pearl itself has become a metaphor for something rare, valuable, admirable, and beautiful. Composed of layer upon layer of calcium and conchiolin (aka nacre), natural pearls such as these are grown within the soft tissue of certain mollusks (clams, oysters, mussels etc.); they're a defence mechanism against a potentially threatening irritant or parasite within the shell. So, essentially, a pearl is the final incarnation of a bivalve's immune response to an unwanted guest within the shell. Couldn't make it up.

STONES 

Natural Pearls and Diamond

MEASUREMENTS 

Wearable length: 10.5 inches 

Clasp: 1.6 x 0.6cm

WEIGHT 

14.5g

MARKS 

No marks present, tests as 14k gold 

CONDITION 

Very good