GIA Certified Natural Saltwater Pearl Necklace for a Child

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GIA Certified Natural Saltwater Pearl Necklace for a Child

About the Item

An almost unbearably beautiful necklace composed of one-hundred-and-eleven GIA certified natural, uncultured saltwater pearls. The brief 15" length of the necklace and tiny size of the pearls —ranging from 2.64mm to 3.64mm— indicate that this necklace was almost certainly created for a young girl. Prior to the discovery of the diamond mines in Africa, pearls were the most prized gems in the world. Look at paintings of the great (and not-so-great) monarchs of Europe and you will see them draped in pearls, kings and queens alike. Natural pearls have been coveted throughout human history. Wealthy families had pearl necklaces made for their babies, then slightly larger ones (such as the one you see here) for when she left the crib. At sixteen, she might receive a 16" strand of larger pearls. Because natural pearls like these are solid nacre, the pearls last for generations. So when the little girl grows out of this necklace, the pearls can be restrung, additional larger pearls added and a longer necklace created. In this way, this "child's necklace" can in fact be the foundation of one's signature strand or double strand of natural pearls. The sterling silver clasp works as it should. And even though the pearls remain on their original silk thread with knots tied between each one, the strand is sturdy and does not need to be restrung. These natural pearls are white with no overtone. Instead, they display what is known as orient. This word describes the prismatic display of light that seems to occur from within the pearl and spread across the surface, making the pearl seem luminous, spectrally beautiful: like a nearly magical thing. Orient is a highly desirable feature in a pearl but not all natural pearls display it and some cultured pearls do. This is quite a rare necklace, both because it is made entirely from natural saltwater pearls, but also because it was created for a young child. Of course, there's no reason at all a woman couldn't wear this strand but an exceptionally slender neck is a prerequisite. The necklace ships with a certificate from the GIA explaining that these are natural saltwater pearls that have undergone no treatment of any kind.

Metal:
Silver
Stone:
Pearl
Stone Cut:
Bead
Weight:
4.17 g
Dimensions:
Length: 15 in (381 mm)
Style:
Art Deco
Lab Report Available:
GIA 5211531913
Period:
1930-1939
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1930s
Condition:
Seller Location:
Southbury, CT
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU1589114348592