"Sky and Waters" Multi-Strand Necklace with Lapis Lazuli and 23k Gold Medallions

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"Sky and Waters" Multi-Strand Necklace with Lapis Lazuli and 23k Gold Medallions

About the Item

A necklace of ten discs of electrum set with cabochons of lapis lazuli and decorated with 23k gold granulation, raised bosses and in the central disc, sixteen raised triangles of gold forming a star, all strung on four strands of small cylindrical beads of lapis lazuli. The tenth medallion at the back of the necklace has two hooks which attach to loops on the beading tips, allowing the necklace to be fastened. The base plates of all the discs are electrum, an alloy of silver and gold. The discs are heavily granulated with small grains of 23k gold. The four smallest discs are ¾ inch (1.9 cm) in diameter and are bordered around the outside with a gold wire. Along the inside edge of this is a border of small grains. Four raised bosses are arrayed around a lapis lazuli cabochon set in a bezel 5/16 inch (8 mm) in diameter. A border of granulation surrounds the bosses; the negative space between these elements outlined in granulation is in the shape of an ax head. The four middle sized medallions are 1 1/16 inch (2.7 cm) in diameter. Four lapis cabochons 3/8 inches (1 cm) in diameter are set in bezels surrounded by a border of granulation. One pair has a six pointed star and the other pair has an eight pointed star that has been created by building out rows of grains from the border which decrease by one grain in each row. The outside edges of the discs are bordered by two gold wires; a border of granulation is along the inside edge of the borders. The central disc is 2 3/8 inches (3.45 cm) in diameter with a lapis cabochon that is ½ inch (1.15 cm) in diameter. Sixteen raised triangles of gold radiate out from the bezel; a pair of granules sit at either side of the tips of these triangles at the inside edge of the the double wire border. An undulating border of grains follows the junctures of the bases around the outside of the bezel. The clasp medallion is one inch (2.6 cm) in diameter and is set with a cabochon of lapis lazuli that is 5/8 inch (1.55 cm) in diameter. A single wire borders the disc. A row of grains borders the bezel as well as the inside edge of the outside border. The lapis lazuli cylinder beads are 2 mm in length and 2 mm in diameter. Four lapis beads at the back gather two strands together before the four strands are fed into a single lapis bead at the beading tips. One of the most unusual aspects of this necklace is the use of electrum. This is an alloy of pure gold and silver and was used for the base plates of the medallions. Pure gold was applied over this in the form of various decorations in a striking contrast. In addition, a slightly uneven patina was produced on the electrum, giving the appearance of great antiquity, as if the piece had laid in a tomb for many centuries. A final irony is that the clasp medallion has the largest diameter lapis lazuli stone in the necklace. It can be said that this necklace is a masterpiece in both design and execution and is the pinnacle of Michael Winsten's artistic production. The necklace is 18 ½ inches (47 cm) in length. The necklace weighs 78.3 grams.

Creator:
David Ebbinghouse
Metal:
Gold
Stone:
Lapis Lazuli
Stone Cut:
Cabochon
Weight:
78.3 g
Dimensions:
Length: 18.51 in (470 mm)
Style:
Artist
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
Late 20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1990
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. This necklace is a true masterpiece and was made by our expert goldsmith, Michael Winsten. It uses contemporary lapis lazuli beads and cabochons, with 23k gold and a mix of high carat gold and silver for the baseplates. The condition is pristine.
Seller Location:
Bloomington, IN
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU2425213800632