French VINTAGE 10g 18k GOLD Solid 18" Traditional Marseille Necklace Grain of Gold Graduated Beads

ABOUT:

Back by popular demand! I collected a few of these during my inventory trips to France this year and these are the last ones I have available, although I'll be looking for more on my next trip of course because they are quite popular and on trend right now, they tend to move quickly. This one I got in Paris.

These have a beautiful story.

This all original French vintage to antique necklace / chain in rich, buttery 18k gold (real/solid gold not plated or gold filled) is very on trend, relevant and wearable today, but its design has origins that date back to the 18th century. In France it is called "Collier Marseille" (Marseille Necklace) or Grain d'Or (Grains of Gold). In those olden times, the women in this region of Provence would collect these gold beads, in various graduating sizes, as a form of savings. They would collect or sell these beads as their finances dictated.

This then became a tradition where a bead was bought at the birth of a girl, and then additional beads were given for subsequent birthdays and life events, eventually resulting in a complete gold bead necklace, each little gold ball connected to the next by loops of gold. What a wonderful tradition! These necklaces are still popular in the south of France. Here is a lovely vintage one with beautiful patina and quality that came from there.

French hallmarks for 18k on the loop. Antique boxes / items in displays in photos are not included.

My last one had each bead connected by loops, this one has the beads run on a dainty oval looped chain.

MEASUREMENTS:
It weighs 9.8g. Stretched end to end it's just under 18 inches. The largest center bead is 9mm diameter, graduating down to the smallest at 4mm.

IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:

Please note that all my pieces are pre-owned and in estate condition. Beautiful rich patina that has warmed the 18k gold - it has a beautiful glow. The beads / gold balls have space inside to run the chain through but are very thick and sturdy with no dings or dents. Some signs of it being worn from age, with surface wear and patina especially between the beads where they rub together, but this is only seen if you study it up close due to the mirrored finish. To the eye and while wearing it as an amazing color and shine, like I said it truly glows. Sturdy, wearable and interesting piece in the solid gold version. I have one and wear it often. There are no dark or colored spots to the gold, it was just difficult to photograph because it is so shiny and mirrored that it reflects its surroundings. Impactful worn alone but also layers well with other pieces.

My disclaimer with all my pieces - Please note due to age, this piece is not in mint condition.

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