Art Nouveau Garnet and Pearl Festoon Necklace

A beautiful Art Nouveau festoon necklace that transports the wearer to the romantic era of the turn of the 20th century (when this was made) while at the same time evoking the fantasy aesthetic of fairytales and mystical creations. The necklace is a beautiful combination of rich vibrant garnets and natural freshwater keshi and baroque pearls. The main oval garnet is a rich red that is classically the color you think of when you hear the word "garnet". The three smaller garnets have a slightly lighter, more orangey-pink hue that is just as gorgeous in the light and seem to glow from within. The garnets are also unusually well matched. Hand-wrought gold wires with unfurling forms curl around the stones and evoke the romantic swirls of the Art Nouveau and Belle Epoque eras. The gold was "bloomed" to a rich buttery color of high karat gold and paired with the texturally interesting yet subtle design of rope chains. I love how the festoon is so thoughtfully crafted to have a step-like gradation in design from the center motif up to the small keshi pearls that intentionally interrupt the rope chains. Truly a stunning fantasy piece that is worth paring with a flowing gown and would look beautiful as a part of a wedding suite. A rare beauty that's hard to come across.

Specifications

Unmarked, acid test to be 14k gold. Gold was "bloomed" chemically when it was made, which was a historic process where gold was treated with acid that eats away alloys and leaves a high karat surface layer and therefore high karat look to the piece.

Total length 15 3/4in; total weight 7.32g
Rope chain width 1.2mm; Main festoon pendant measures 35mm x 35mm
Main oval garnet measures 8mm x 6mm x 4mm; main pearl drop measures 8mm x 6mm

Condition

In excellent antique condition. All the garnets are well secured in the original settings and show very little wear. The oval garnet shows a few spots of abrasion at the facet junctions under magnification. The pearls are all original and natural keshi/baroque pearls. The largest pearl shows spots of discoloration in the natural irregular geometry but these spots face backwards against the skin. In phenomenal condition overall. Another note that is not condition related is that the main oval garnet has a deep pavilion that extends beyond the bezel and therefore presses up against the skin. But the faceting is not sharp and cannot be felt when worn. Please note that this is a pre-owned antique piece and is therefore not in mint condition. Sold as-is.