Empire Necklaces

This is a stunning Turquoise and Keshi Pearl triple strand Necklace in 14 Karat Yellow Gold. The natural mined Turquoise are pear shaped and round with wonderful Sleeping Beauty col...

Aquamarine Necklace in 18K Gold studded with drop cut aquamarine pieces. Accessorize your look with this elegant aquamarine drop necklace. Thi...

A lovely 14k gold link choker from the Victorian era, fitted with a period gold-filled cylindrical clasp. 19th century 16 1/2 ( cm) long; the links 1/8 in. ( cm) wide.

Make your mark in fashion with this fashionably designed 1980's Figure 8, Infinity style, 17 inch Italian necklace. Weighing 124.5 grams of 18K yellow gold, this 13mm Wide neck...

Before 1947 when the brand mark was added and while couture-style adjustable-hook necklaces were in demand in post-war America, Miriam Haskell's first designer Frank Hess created thi...

The oval cut mosaic plaque depicting a flower bouquet, on black ground within reeded bordered setting. Mounted in yellow gold Lenght: 4cm.

This Bulgari Diamond and Pearl Demi-Parure Suite is a rare Art Deco-inspired work for the Italian jewelry house known for voluminous forms,...

Cut steel jewelry was at the height of fashion from the mid 1700s well into the 19th century. Originated in the 1700s. Popular from the Georgian through the Victorian eras. To make cut steel, melted horseshoe nails were formed into tiny faceted beads. Those small steel gemstone-like studs were then riveted one-by-one onto a base plate. It was an English invention that quickly travelled throughout the world. Each stud could have up to 15 facets, and in general the finer and older the piece the more facets the studs will have. Improvements in candles meant that grand events and entertaining could take place at night. As diamonds are diamonds and not available for everyone, and everyone wanted to shine, the popularity grew. Cut-steel provided a stylish and popular new jewelry material that could be enjoyed by everyone at all levels of society. It grew beyond a simple imitation to an art in its own right. The manufacturing was complex and the workmanship that was required highly skilled. These were not mass produced objects. The studs were made from decarbonated cast steel, which was case-hardened, then the studs were faceted by cutting against a pewter wheel. Next were then polished with first fine emery and a hard brush, and then by hand with a special putty. Finally they were riveted onto pierced base plates which had to be drilled and cut by hand, too. The main place of cut steel production was Birmingham, England. And there, one manufacturer stood out from all the rest: Matthew Boulton. He had been born in 1728 into the industry — his father manufactured small metal products. But the younger Boulton had a special talent for marrying the latest technology with the latest fashion. He also was continually expanding — he even founded a mint. He wined and dined with dignitaries and advocated for his steel products. Fortuitously, he became quite close with the Russian ambassador to Catherine the Great. When the ambassador toured the mint, Boulton made sure to send the Empress some of his cut-steel necklaces. In 1759, Louis XV “encouraged” the nobility to donate their gold and gemstone jewelry to help fund the Seven Years War. The popularity of cut steel in France may in part have been due to these sumptuary laws which limited who could wear precious metals and diamonds. Either you complied with the law and gave up your family jewels to be melted down for the war chest...

We absolutely love this chic choker necklace by Italian jeweler, Chimento. Since 1964, the Chimento brand has been a leader in Italian goldsmith mastery. Their creations are exquisit...

Retro 18 karat yellow gold day to evening necklace. This necklace is designed with gold and Diamond links that alternate with Pearl and Semi Precious rondelles. The rondelles are faceted Citrine, Peridot, Amethyst, Pink Tourmaline and Blue Topaz...

A freshwater cultured pearl necklace set with a round 14 karat gold clasp. The clasp consists of twelve clear cultured pearls surrounded by very fine filigree. The ornate clasp has r...

One-of-a-kind Vicki Orr 14k yellow gold Bohemian necklace with 23 unique pieces including vintage and antique cameos, freshwater Pearls and white Di...