French Drop Necklaces

This exotic ethnic necklace is handmade and is composed of a succession of black, white, gold and reddish beads and trinkets. With a screw closure and an imposing gold metal medallio...

THIS IS A WONDERFUL AND RARE ANTIQUE FRENCH PLIQUE-A-JOUR ENAMEL ART NOUVEAU ROSE WINDOW PENDANT IN 18 TO 22 KARAT GOLD IN THE STYLE OF CARTIER. ALTHOUGH THE PENDANT IS NOT SIGNED, ...

Important Chanel Anglo Indian Bib by Maison Gripoix, Paris. Massive scale based on antique Indian Moghul styles, completely hand made with poured glass, faux pearls on a gilt bronze ...

French designer Paco Rabanne, Paris, designed this rare geometric Space Age necklace. The fabulous piece was crafted in France circa 1960. This unique futuristic piece features black...

This lovely Christian Lacroix Paris pendant necklace features a stylized knitting lace design with gilded metal, all textured and topped with the "CL" logo. The long gilt metal chain...

This lovely Pierre Cardin Paris modernist 1970s necklace features an extra-long silverplate metal worked chain with a Mod pendant. The pendant has a geometric design with a silvered ...

This lovely French modernist bronze choker necklace features five geometric dangling charm elements in rounded free forms topped with green and purple enamel. The piece boasts a nice...

This French made Belle Epoque Lavaliere necklet features a fine chain suspending a diamond set drop pendant. Consisting of beautiful fine knife-edged scroll work with mille-grained s...

Extraordinary 1930's Haute Couture Leather Gingko Bib with pastes and gold bullion of French origin. Unknown designer, completely handmade. Gold leaf leather gingko leaves fall from ...

Vintage 1970s leather with resin drop necklace created Catherine Noll of France. Brown leather portion measures 19" in length and the strands do have some wear conducive with age an...

Rare and important Chanel Maison Gripoix Flower Parure referred to as "Bijoux de Fleurs" when first shown in in 1938 and illustrated in Harpers Bazaar in the same year. Our example w...

CHANEL - (Made in France) Costume pearl necklace with Swarovski rhinestones. Jewelry from the early 1980s. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length:...

Robert Goosens, the French haute-couture Chanel-favorite parurier who enjoyed reinterpreting ancient and antique styles of jewelry with rock crystal and faux stones, also collaborated with Madame Alix Gres. Relevant to this statement necklace, the Parisian theatrical-costume designer, who founded the French fashion-house Maison Gres, commissioned Goosens to make spiral-wire adornments for her couture gowns. This handmade hammered brass wire choker necklace with five dropped en-tremblant pendants is decorated with unique colorful beads and wrapped wire. The piece dates between 1969-1971 based on similar unsigned spiraled-wire metal jewelry without goldsmithing marks in the museum collection of TheMet (see our photo), which acquired it from Maison Givenchy founder Hubert de Givenchy, who was one of most supportive fans of Gres. Like the legendary sculptural clothing designs of Madame Gres, this necklace was inspired by Greco-Roman costumes, while its sculpted shapes by Goosens reference her signature curvilinear fabric techniques that earned her the sobriquet of "the master of the wrapped and draped dress". Goosens (1927-2016), nicknamed Monsieur Bijou, also made jewelry inspired by other periods of antiquity to compliment the couture clothing of Coco Chanel, Cristobal Balenciaga, Elsa Schiaparelli, Christian Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent. After Goosens collaborated with Gres, he revisited golden spiral designs with Saint Laurent. Similar to the free-flowing fabric manipulated in Gres gowns, this hand-shaped necklace that we photographed in sunlight is a study in motion that drapes across a curvy cleavage. Adding drama to this necklace below its wire choker, the top teetering-wire pendant is a twisted and hammered horizontal double spiral, which is a Hellenistic symbol of life and transformation suggesting the breasts of a goddess of fertility and motherhood. Yet distinctly Goosens, 18 hand-cut and hand-dyed "ancient-Roman-blue" rock-crystal beads are wire-strung to weight a second tier of two separate vertical double-spiral pendants. On each, a wrapped-wire tube divides the blue beads. Between these vertical pendants in two tiers, the central vertical pendants each feature a one-of-a-kind multicolor bead (yellow/blue/red/black/white) in two lengths with abstract organic patterns recalling ancient Italian glasswork. Four more blue beads bracket these larger colorful beads. An additional 10 blue beads and 5 wire tubes decorate the bottom looped wire pendant, as well as the bottom of the wire choker. Like the hammered-wire jewelry designs of modern artist Alexander Calder, the creative complex construction of this necklace surprisingly required no metalsmith techniques, such as soldering or casting, just great skill with a jewelry pliers and hammer. For a bigger picture of couture clothing by Madame Gres during the decade beginning in 1969, she notably designed many museum-collected one-color silk-taffeta draped long gowns with empire waists and simple high collars or geometric cut-outs. Remarkably, the focal points for some of these unique dresses were at the wrists, from where long pouf sleeves voluminously droop around the hands to nearly the floor like two enormous long-petaled flowers. If paired with this equally downward-focused and balanced necklace from this same period, its bold Greco-Roman elements would have pulled a viewer's gaze of the dress from floor to face. Although there is no significant provenance for this necklace, hammered brass and tinted rock crystal were among the few materials repeatedly associated with Goosens from 1969-71. For example, in his overlapping interior-decor collections based on themes of waterlilies or foliage, Goosens hammered gilt brass wire and sheets (see our closeup photo) to represent plant parts or he wired rock-crystal beads to appear as tiny fruits. While the two multicolor glass or resin beads in this necklace are atypical, the combination of blue, yellow and red is a palette that the designer used for other pieces of rock-crystal jewelry and he created many kinds of multicolor faux stones with glass or resin paste, such as faux Tibetan turquoise including black and white. According to journalism based on interviews with Goosens, he often acquired unusual stones and glass for inspiration during his extensive travels exploring museum-collected antiquities. Since Maison Goosens was acquired in 2005 by Maison Chanel, it opened the Parisian showroom Galerie Goosens and associated shops to sell many kinds of reproductions and reimagined works by the founder, which fortunately does not suit the completely handmade elements of this necklace. So this couture piece remains one-of-a-kind. If desiring a vintage haute-couture original by Robert Goosens, we recommend perusing the Maison Goosens website so that a reproduction with a contemporary signature is not mistakenly purchased. Madame Gres (1903-1993) was born Germaine Emelie Krebs, but initially identified her fashion designs with the pseudonym Alix and later Alix Barton...

Enormous Chinese Butterfly Breastplate necklace by John Galliano for Christian Dior Autumn/Winter 2003-04. This RTW collection follows in the steps of the Spring/Summer 2003 Haute Couture where mad hatter Galliano travels through Asia via the grandeur of the Belle Epoque with the aide of the technical finesse of the Dior HC studios. Silver metal butterflies and star anise flowers adorn this massive breastplate with "Dior" impressed into the butterflies. These motifs are also carried throughout the collection in the form of massive hair pins and rings. Motif 9" wide x 11" long. Chain is 18" with extension 3". 2 spring/antennae are deficient on the outer butterflies. 2003-04 Dior RTW...

Magnificent Chanel poured glass enamel flower necklace. Made by Maison Gripoix of opaline and opal blue glass camellias and camellia buds . Furt...

Superb and amazing Chanel Poured Glass Orchid Pendant by Maison Gripoix, Paris. Handmade faux pearls with a large Rose poured glass orchid bloom with pend...

A stunning Antique Edwardian era, Belle Epoque sterling silver paste pendant necklace. It has a large pretty lavalier style pendant drop suspended from a small length of chain set with old diamond paste stones and a single Amethyst paste, the pendant has a further drop suspended from the base giving it lots of movement and sparkle. The main pendant is attached to a paste jeweled bale on the original fine link sterling silver chain. It has a spring ring fastener. A truly stunning piece of antique paste jewellery...

M. Gérard Certified Natural Burmese Ruby Necklace This extraordinary M. Gérard necklace showcases certified natural, untreated Burmese rubies with a remarkable total weight of 88.84...

A gorgeous 18k yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the Magic Alhambra collection. The necklace comprises of 16 iconic 4 leaf clover motifs alternating in size, set with whit...

Mesurements : Chain length : 44cm and 48cm Pendant length : 8cm This exquisite Baccarat sterling silver drop necklace is a perfect embodiment of timeless elegance and French craft...

Maison Gripoix for Chanel pastille drop long necklace of deep ruby, emerald and amythest oval hand made stations in signature Gripoix poured glass enamel. Sautoir is handmade of fine...

This stunning collar necklace with a Space Age design was designed in France in the 1960s. It is nicely made and reminiscent of Paco Rabanne's metal jewelry work. The necklace featur...

Extraordinary, early Coco Chanel Haute Couture Sautoir by Robert Goossens, Paris circa 1960. Handmade pate de verre beads in emerald and ruby are ...

Pendant in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. This second-hand gold pendant features a large oval motif holding a cabochon-cut peridot in its center. This peridot pendant com...

THIS IS A GORGEOUS AND RARE ART NOUVEAU JUGENDSTIL LOCKET NECKLACE WITH A STUNNING ENAMEL PINK POPPY FLOWER MOTIF ON BOTH SIDES OF THE LOCKET IN SILVER WITH A BEAUTIFUL RAISED DESIGN...

Yves Saint Laurent Bib by Lou Lou de la Falaise of silvered mirrored medallions, faux pearls, and patinaed ribbed wood beads. Prominently used in...

Extraordinary and iconic Maison Gripoix for Yves Saint Laurent nautical themed necklace. Of gilt plate bronze and coral Gripoix poured glass enamel ship an...

Early Louis Rousselet pate de verre suite in pale rose pink, amythest and faux pearl florets. Each petal and pearl is handmade and then assembled onto the silver gilt floral bases. T...

This is the finest example of a French Provincial Wedding Cross I have seen. At its finest, antique paste jewelry was made treating pastes like...

Chanel Rock Crystal Runway "Ice" Necklace from F/W 2010 by Maison Goossens. This is a one of a kind runway model, never commercialized in stores. A massive rock crystal quartz specimen is mounted on silvered bronze as the centerpiece and hangs from a jangle of silvered chains with cascading pave "CC" logo charms. Collector quality. Size: Pendant 5.5" x 4.5" x 1.25". Total length 19" with 7" extender chain. Chanel F/W 2010 "Iceberg" Show description: "Freja Beha Erichsen and three bears on an ice floe. This was the arctic scene at Chanel, where giant chunks of bona fide iceberg, specially transported from Scandinavia, formed the frozen landscape around which models solemnly splashed through a sea of 'berg-melt in shaggy snow boots with ice-block heels." Fur-fringed embroideries and ice jewelry...

THIS IS A STUNNING ANTIQUE OLD MINE CUT AND ROSE CUT DIAMOND, SAPPHIRE AND PEARL MUSEUM QUALITY FRENCH BEAUX ARTS, NAPOLEON III, BELLE EPOQUE NECKLACE IN 18 KARAT GOLD. THE GORGEOUS NECKLACE FROM FRANCE HAS A STUNNING ROSE FLOWER GARLAND WREATH MOTIF DESIGN AND IS SET WITH OLD MINE CUT DIAMONDS, ROSE CUT DIAMONDS, SQUARE CUT FACETED SAPPHIRES AND NATURAL PEARL DROPS...

PENDANT CAMEO, the setting in 750 / °° yellow gold braided and chiseled decorated with foliage and black enamel punctuated with cultured pearls surrounding a woman in profile on agat...

Large and Important Maison Gripoix for Yves Saint Laurent butterfly bib necklace circa 1970. Of amythest and deep aquamarine Gripoix poured gla...

Unusual and striking French Art Deco Bronze Pendant converted from an antique furniture mount. An Art Deco mermaid is beautifully modeled around a star in this bronze pendant. A matc...

PENDANT CAMEO, the setting in 750 / °° yellow gold braided and chiseled decorated with foliage punctuated with cultured pearls surrounding a woman in profile on agate, her hair ric...

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond & Colombian Cabochon Emerald Necklace This extraordinary Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is crafted in platinum and 1...

THIS IS A GORGEOUS FRENCH ART NOUVEAU LOCKET PENDANT IN STERLING SILVER WITH A BEAUTIFUL REPOUSSE DESIGN OF A FLOWER WHICH MAY BE A POPPY WITH GORGEOUS LEAVES. This is just a stunning sterling silver poppy flower motif locket with exquisite Art Nouveau design. The beautiful locket has a wonderfully designed poppy flower on the front. The reverse of the locket is unadorned. The locket opens to reveal places for a photo. The original photo cover is intact. The locket is hallmarked with the French hallmark of the Boar's head for Sterling Silver. The French Art Nouveau jewels are of the highest quality with absolutely exquisite design - this one is so very special. The locket dates to the Art Nouveau period, circa 1890-1910. The listing is only for the locket. The chain is only shown for display. The locket is 1 inch (26 mm) in diameter. With the bales it is 1 1/4 inches long. The locket is hallmarked with the French Boar...

Pierre Cardin vintage modern gold and white tone metal necklace. Pendant measures almost 5" long and is made in two sections. The chain is made up of gold tube beads linked together...

Massive and important Countess Cis Mughal bib necklace from France, 1950s. Composed of signature molded and carved fruit salad and Gripoix glass cabocheons in citrine and faux jade. Very Good Condition. Unsigned. France 1950's. Length 14" to 16", Drop 3.5". Countess Cis born in Vienna, she started her career in jewelry in 1951 by hand-painting cufflinks and buttons. She was quickly taken up by Pierre Balmain and Jacques Fath and moved on to jewelry in the mid 1950s. She worked for Balenciaga for 14 years, creating jewelry for his couture collections. Her jewelry was also sold through Lord & Taylor (Cis of Paris...

Louis Rousselet pale pink and amythest pate de verre necklace composed of 2 strands of graduated beads with a large petal strewn frontpiece. Th...

Incredibly rare Yves Saint Laurent's Iconic and Early Coral Shell Pendant, Maison Goossens. Large central shell of gilt bronze with cold enamel coral branches accented with crystal p...

Important necklace in Chanel's zodiac style with a Capricorn pendant suspended from a elaborately wire wrapped collar. The Zodiac again figures prominently here in her lexicon of mot...

Fantastic, space age pendant with unusual enamelwork by Pierre Cardin. I believe this handmade pendant would have originally hung on a drop from a neck ring, and that the jump ring ...

Beautiful large regional cross in solid 18K rose gold from the 19th century, guilloche and decorated with flowers in reserve on both sides at the intersection of the arms. these end ...

18k Yellow Gold Diamond Draperie de Decolette Single Drop Necklace by Cartier. The Cartier Draperie de Decollate necklace exudes timeless elegance. Crafted from 18k yellow gold, its...

Georgian Long Chain 18K Gold Necklace with French 18 Karat Yellow Gold Medallion. The long chain necklace is formed of 18K gold. Voluminous, yet s...

THIS IS A GORGEOUS FRENCH ART NOUVEAU LOCKET PENDANT IN SILVER WITH A BEAUTIFUL REPOUSSE DESIGN OF A FLOWER, LEAF AND BUD MOTIF. This is just a stunning silver flower motif...

Schiaparelli gilt chain swag necklace studded with citrine crystals throughout. 4 central oval citrine pastes form the focus of this attractive necklace. USA 1950's, design France. ...

A necklace designed by Cartier. Beautiful colorful V shaped necklace, designed in Paris France during the late art deco period, back in the 1940. The necklace was crafted by the jew...

Experience the elegance of this Iconic Van Cleef & Arpels Coral, Turquoise and Diamond Necklace Earrings Set, a stunning ensemble that epitomizes the luxury and craftsmanship of the ...

Recalling the stain glass windows of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, this 18k gold pendant is decorated with plique a jour (transparent) enamel of vibrant colors, separated by gold cl...

This is a rare Art Deco - Art Nouveau Limoges Enamel Locket Pendant. The magnificent portrait of a woman is hand painted with vivid iridescent colors. This portrait of a woman has...

Large and impressive Art Nouveau pendant by Elizabeth Bonte, France. An Iris (which was a favored motif in the period) is hand carved of natural horn a...

Charming 19th century polished 18k gold disc from Paris, hallmarked with the French eagle head for 18k gold and the Parisian maker’s mark, mounted as an 18k gold pendant with oval suspension ring...

France, circa 1860. Length is approximately 17 in. (43 cm) Weight – 121 grams. This exceptional quality Victorian era articulated snake bracelet...

Amazing Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Chinese Collection Demi Parure by Maison Gripoix of hand made settings with poured glass of Chinese florals in kingfisher blue, chalcedony an...

This is an absolutely wonderful and rare antique French Victorian Scarab, Beetle, Insect on a Leaf Pendant Necklace in 18 Karat Gold. The stunning th...

A simple 'sautoir' style necklace, in soft dusky pink mirrored fragments, set in black Talousel resin, from the early 1960s. This necklace dates from the second burst of creativity f...