Mid-20th Century Drop Necklaces

A gorgeous faux tortoise shell Bakelite disc necklace. Attached to an 18" chain are 22 1.50" oval discs in beautiful shades of brown. It closes with a spring ring clasp. 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...

Rare, sterling silver necklace with malachite stone at pendant center and beads within the chain by Los Castillo of Taxco, Mexico. Pendant also features a gorgeous large, bulbous, t...

Simply Fabulous! Finely detailed Oscar Worthy Teardrop Diamond Emerald and Onyx Platinum Drop Pendant Necklace. Encrusted with securely Hand set Old European Cut Diamonds, weighing a...

Massive Gilt Breast Plate Necklace from the 1960's. Based on an ethnic design with etched drops along the lower edge. Chain of wire wrapped rods ...

Important exquisite grand diamond floral necklace platinum, high jewelry circa 1950's. 354 total diamonds, approximately 60 carats total. 146 r...

Item Specifications: Necklace Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 7.2 Grams Chain Length: 22" adjustable down to any size Pendant Diameter: 0.80" Diamond Color: G-H Diamond Cl...

Each of Mikimoto's cultured pearl strands are a work of art born from the mystery of the sea. Creation of these strands requires incredible skill, judgment and craftsmanship. The jou...

A stunning and important collar drop necklace, featuring six oval cut sapphires weighing 29.10 carats total. Accented with mixed-cut diamonds weighing 90.20 carats total. A gorgeous ...

A vintage sapphire and diamond convertible tiara necklace. An exceptional vintage sapphire and diamond convertible tiara and necklace set, ...

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 ...

This impressive sculptural brutalist bronze pendant necklace was designed by French sculptor and painter Henri Nogaret (1927 -). The piece boasts a large bronze modernist abstract sc...

For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...

Hubert de Givenchy Haute Couture opera length necklace from the estate of Bunny Mellon. Composed of signature Maison Gripoix handmade large faux pearls with a very large focal cente...

Miriam Haskell Gilt Leaf Pendant Necklace composed of hand sewn rose montees crystals on electroplated leaves and faux pearls. Chaining is of 2 gilt chains mixed with a rhinestone ch...

Art-Deco diamonds stations chained necklace sautoir. A classic station long chain created in America during the art-deco period, back in the 1930. It was designed as a sautoir chain...

French Eygptian Revival Scarab Pendant in patinaed and painted celluloid on silk cord with tassel. Pendant 2.4", Cord 30", Tassel 4". 1930's France. ...

Unusual Vendome Aurora Crystal Necklace which can be worn in different ways. Blue aurora crystals are mixed with smoky topaz pastes. The "V" shaped nec...

A stunning vintage Belgian 1950s 0.54 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold necklace; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and impressive vintage diamond necklace has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with 18k white gold settings. The articulated setting is composed of curvilinear feather shaped links, graduated in size. The centre of the shaped setting is ornamented with a multi-stranded drop setting, embellished with twelve individually 18k white gold four claw set transitional modern brilliant round cut diamonds. The feature setting suspends from a spiga style chain, securing with a cylindrical push fit clasp to the reverse. The push fit clasp is fitted with an additional safety chain and spring loaded bolt ring fastening. The necklace is hallmarked to the reverse with the Belgian 18k gold fineness mark -0750- and maker's mark. The safety chain clasp is also hallmarked with the 18k gold fineness mark -750. This Belgian diamond necklace is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card. Condition This stunning vintage 1950s diamond...

Long chain featuring 99 round brilliant cut diamonds, accompanied by geometric pendant featuring 46 round brilliant cut diamonds and 3 baguette diamonds. - Diamonds weighing a total...

Superb Miriam Haskell two strand long faux pearl necklace. The signature graduated pearls spaced with back to back sewn rose monte crystals.Th...

A Vintage French Poured Glass Collar. A beautiful example of French poured glass jewellery. The colours a mesmerisingly delicate blend of sapphire cornflour blue and a grey brown tha...

Margot of Taxco - Margot van Voorhies Carr - Magnificent reticulated Serpent in Turquoise Blue enamel with accented raised enamel joints Earl...

Fun Retro William De Lillo Gold Butterscotch Bakelite Pendant on a gilt metal snake chain. Great scale and a fun piece to wear! Signed deLillo. Pendant is 2.25" high.

Sterling Necklace, Bracelet, Ring and Earring Rock Crystal Scandinavian Desing Made 1968 and 1969 Ring 19mm =US 9 Sterling silver modernist set. Alton Sweden...

Vintage 1950s 14K Yellow and Rose Gold Amethyst and Diamond Necklace Includes a written appraisal by a GIA Master Graduate Gemologist, valuing this stunning vintage necklace at $24...

Sculptural necklace designed by Bjorn Weckstrom (b 1935-). An extraordinary and extremely rare sculptural necklace, created by Bjorn Weckstrom, back in the 1967. This prototype piece for the "Kukkiva Muuri" (Flowering Wall) was designed in his Finland studio between the 1965 and 1967, specifically for the Rio de Janeiro Competition. It was carefully assembled and crafted in solid yellow gold of 18 karats, finished with highly textured patterns. This wearable sculpture, display a composition created by the sporadic placements of 14 natural green Brazilian tourmalines that are are mounted in bezels and hang freely from gold wires. They have a combined weight of 24 carats and are transparent. Has a total weight of 65.4 grams and has a lenght of 17.6 inches (44.70 Cm). The main decorative drop piece have a measures of 80 mm by 44 mm (3.15 x 1.74 inches) Stamped, with the maker's mark, the Helsinki Finland gold assay control hallmark, the designer's initials and signed "B W .750 O-7". Bjorn Weckstrom, born in 1935 and at the age of 16 studied at the goldsmiths school where he graduated in 1956. he proceeded to open his first workshop in Helsinki and began producing jewelry, inspired by the nature and featuring the use of rough cut gems. his participation in the international exhibition of modern jewelry, an exhibition formulated by Graham Hughes and the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1961, catapulted his career. He joined Pekka Antilla as a designer in 1963 and eventually in 1974, was made a partner in what is now called Lapponia. His career continued to blossom and in 1965, after winning the Rio de Janeiro competition, with his design for the flowering wall necklace he became an internationally known jeweler. Exhibitions: Rio de Janeiro 1965. Gran Prix...

Ever Us Two-Stone Diamond Pendant in 14k White Gold. The pendant is set with 18 diamonds, two center diamonds and 16 side diamonds. The diamonds are G-H in col...

For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...

1940's French Diamond and Ruby Necklace and Earrings Set The necklace has approximately 75ct of rubies and 40-42ct of diamonds all set in Platinum, and the clasps are white gold. The...

Van Cleef & Arpels Carved Emerald Ruby Convertible Suite in 18k Yellow Gold with Diamonds. The suite includes a number of pieces: A necklace that detaches and converts into two sepa...

A truly magnificent 1950's Boucheron diamond necklace. Designed as a stylised, flexible ribbon set with graduated and tapered baguette & ste...

Beautiful Art Deco Czech silver plated necklace, featuring seven amber glass ball drops which are graduated in size and colour, bi-cone beads and decorative spacers. Measuring length 41.1cm / 16.2 inches, and the largest amber drop is 1.15cm / .45 inch. There is wear to the silver plating. This is a wonderful signed Czech necklace...

A Vintage Goldette Chunky Coin Necklace and Bracelet Set. With coin jewellery remaining at the height of fashion this is a glorious find. Why settle for just one piece when you can a...

This artistically designed pendant necklace with distinctly cut diamonds and a prominent GIA Certified Genuine emerald is crafted in solid 18K white gold, weighing 68.5 grams and mea...

Charming Art Deco Enameled Mesh Bow Necklace from the 1930's. Woven twist chain is enameled in off white and red to form a bow motif necklace with chrome fittings. 15" x .75". Bow dr...

Massive Natural Sea Foam Turquoise that is set in ornate Sterling Silver setting. Feathered Motif This is a bubbling blue-green chunk of turquoise Hallmarked on the back. The chain ...

Magnificent, large Miriam Haskell necklace of signature faux pearl micro beaded flower heads set on bases of water lilies and lily pads in Hask...

Circa 1930 This striking Art Deco pendant is finely handcrafted in milgrain platinum. It is centered with a rhombus shaped polished black onyx plaque...

A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 22.32 carat aquamarine, 7.62 carat diamond and 18k yellow gold necklace; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and impressive, large gold aquamarine pendant has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The quatrefoil shaped design displays a stunning central feature 22.32Ct cushion cut aquamarine, displayed in relief within an 18k yellow gold four claw setting. This central feature gemstone is encompassed with four trefoil shaped clusters, each embellished with three pavé set transitional modern brilliant round cut diamonds. The layered setting is further embellished with eight pierced decorated arched designs, forming a convex three-dimensional arrangement. Each stylised arch is ornamented with five transitional modern brilliant round cut diamonds; the central stone of each array is larger and paralleled by the yellow gold setting. This stunning and large aquamarine pendant...

Dramatic Trifari Articulated Snowflake Necklace from the 1940's. Set in pinkish gold vermeil with crystal baguettes. Completely articulated drops. N...

Vintage no heat sapphires and diamonds vintage necklace and earrings high jewelry set in platinum, circa 1960's. Approximately 131.05 carats t...

Miriam Haskell elaborate aquamarine faceted crystal Moghul style pendant necklace. Center clasp of signature Russian gilt metal, aquamarine crystal and rose-montees. 1950's USA. Exc...

Art stone encrusted large key pendant necklace in slivertone. 24" long. Key is 4.5" long.

HENRY Necklace of hand carved and patinaed resin set with ruby pastes.The pendant hangs from ruby pate de verre and faceted aurora beads. Unusual ru...

An important cabochon Sapphire & Diamond drop necklace, the centerpiece being detachable to be worn as a brooch. Made in France, circa 1950.

Simply Beautiful! Highly Desirable Native American Original Navajo Squash Blossom Necklace. A unique take on the traditional Squash Blossom necklaces, with elongated modern blossoms ...

This is an amazing piece of Navajo Jewelry! Lapis lazuli Shadow Box Squash Blossom. 10 Lapis stones inset in sterling blossoms attached to a double bead sterling chain. It graduates ...

A stylish gold bead necklace by Lalaounis, c.1960s, the necklace from the Minoan and Mycenaean collection, designed as a row of alternating fluted or textured barrel shape beads with...

Nettie Rosenstein Vermeil Starburst Pendant set in sterling with pink gold vermeil finish. Set with crystal pastes and emerald cabocchons. Circa 1940's on original chain. 1940's USA....

Item Specifications: Metal: 18k White Gold Pendant Measurements with Bail: 3" x 1.5" Total Weight: 28.29 Grams Lab Report: GIA Jade Report GIA Report #: 2231035273 Gemstone Sp...

Fabulous gold plated link collar necklace, with beautiful coral glass bead and faux baroque pearl drops. Measuring necklace length 46.8 cm / 18.4 inches, and the coral and pearl drop...

This is a fabulous 4 piece brass and lucite set from Selro Selini (unsigned) including a necklace, earrings and bracelet. It includes an adjustable bolo s...

Art Deco French jet fringe necklace, featuring faceted black glass drops and dark grey round beads, interspersed with small silver tone beads. The necklace closes with a barrel clas...

Fine Ciner art deco necklace composed of two strands of articulated faux ruby beads with crystal rhinestone pave spacers and clasp. Center focal pendant of hand wired ruby beads and ...

Handmade sterling necklace with long dangles. The neck ring has an integrated, tension hook/closure. The dangles are strung with tubular sterling beads and ceramic beads...

Trifari faux jade buddha pendant with massive chain tassel. Buddha figure sits on golden plinth with long tassel below.
Faux jade beads on neck c...

Oversized bib of pave rhinestone "clusters" forming an elegant bib of Swarovski crystals on rhodiumed metal. 1950's Austria. High impact and lovely quality. Excellent condition. 1...