1910s Multi-Strand Necklaces

A beautifully composed late Victorian to Edwardian necklace in 14kt yellow gold, featuring intricately carved and reverse-painted Essex crystals — a rare and labour-intensive technique where miniature paintings are rendered in fine detail on the reverse side of domed rock crystal cabochons. The central scene depicts a red-coated English huntsman on horseback leaping over a hedge, flanked by two companion medallions portraying a fox and a hound. These traditional hunting motifs speak to the British sporting elite’s fascination with the countryside chase — fox hunting was considered a symbol of both aristocratic leisure and rural valor. The inclusion of hunting horns and riding crops in gold adds further narrative depth, evoking the ceremonial and rhythmic elements of the hunt. Gold scrolls in the form of fox horns...

A diamond and cultured pearl necklace, the Edwardian diamond centre-piece of openwork design with floral and scroll decorations, set with old European-cut diamonds estimated to weigh carats in total, all millegrain-set in platinum, to yellow gold back, circa 1910, strung with five rows of cultured pearls and a later diamond-set rectangular snap clasp, accompanied by detachable brooch fitting, the centre-piece measuring approximately 3.9 x 3.1cm, the necklace measuring approximately 39 cm long, gross weight of the necklace 75.4 grams. This necklace is in excellent condition. Unmarked, tested as platinum and 18ct gold. This stunning necklace is the perfect example of Edwardian glamour. As the reign of Queen Victoria ended, jewellery styles became more monochromatic, simplistic, and elegant. This remarkable necklace comes from the collection of Bentley & Skinner, the London jewellers by appointment to both Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. Five rows of creamy, pink hued cultured pearls meet at the centre at a wonderful and glittering Edwardian clasp...