GEORGIAN French Antique 3 Carat Rose Cut DIAMOND Seven Stone Necklace Chain 18k Gold Silver Collet Open Back

ABOUT:

Like little sparkling drops, this original French antique necklace is from the Georgian era constructed in 18k gold and silver set with 7 rose cut diamonds cut in oval and freeform round shapes. I have a similar one in my own collection (although like most all of my antiques, there are no two ever exactly alike). It's so pretty around the neck because of the way the stones are set independently and appear like individual crystals that catch the light and sparkle. Mine has similar coloring and I love layering it with a yellow gold chain. This one is a shorter length so it is also suitable for layering. I paid handsomely for it in France but I just love it, with a sort of partial riviere chain vibe.

Each of the diamonds are set in silver collets, which are then prong set into larger silver topped settings, as was customary for the time to set diamonds in white metal (it was thought to increase their brilliance). The connecting loops are in 18k yellow gold and each setting is also backed in gold, a trick they used to prevent tarnish from rubbing off on the skin. I love the larger center east west rose cut which faces up over 1 1/4 carat alone.

The diamonds were originally in closed back settings but were opened at some point in their life prior to my receiving it, to let the light through as foil often discolors with age. So this one is nice and bright!

The piece has a great antique look with a bit of patina to the silver and warmth to the diamonds typical for pieces of this age.

It has French hallmarks on the loop that are difficult to decipher but appear to be the bigorne hallmark for the provinces. The chain is crafted in silver.

This 1800s sparkler would be a beautiful something old for a bride! I've seen pieces like these turned into two for ones, where a small spring ring is added to each end of the diamond settings, so that it can be worn as a bracelet or a necklace. This one is currently only wearable as a necklace but with the slightest edits could do double duty if you wanted options, as it is also quite beautiful on the wrist (as seen in photos, again not yet wearable this way but to give the idea). It could also be worn in the hair with an up 'do or crown dangling towards the back. The piece has such beautiful movement.

When holding the piece up, the settings tend to tilt downward but once leaning against the decollette, they do not flip and remain facing outward as seen on the neck form.

Antique box not included. Please note the measurements as I have small hands and it can be difficult to decipher scale from photos, especially with the zoomed images that I am required to present for detail.

MEASUREMENTS:

Chain is 15 3/4 inches long stretched end to end so a shorter length. It weighs 5.5 grams.

The diamonds widen out in the closed collet settings an unknown amount and it is difficult to get an exact carat weight without putting them on a scale. I would never remove them from their antique settings, but it was sold to me as around 3 carats total give or take.

All the diamonds have flat backs and the tops have triangular facets to really catch the light and add sparkle. Like most rose cuts these are spready and have a lower comparative carat weight to a modern diamond but the surface area gives it the appearance of a larger carat stone. They appear to be somewhat thinly cut aside from the center stone which has a bit of a dome. These don't have that depth of modern stones for carat weight, but they still have the eye catching impact.

The center diamond is 8.2x5.7mm - facing up at 1.25 to 1.5 carat alone. Four of the stones measure 4.5 to 5mm facing up .4 to half a carat each. The end stones are oval and tear drop measuring 4x3.5mm and 4.1x3mm again just measuring the exposed portions.

Face up value of all the stones appears closer to 4 carats, and even larger if you were to add the added length of the silver collets which serve as an illusion setting to make the stones appear bigger, but again actual carat weight is unknown and less than the face up appearance.

IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:

The chain is dainty but the settings are sturdy and ready to wear. Under magnification you can see some frosty unpolished edges and some nibbles. The largest center stone has some shallow tiny slivers of loss around the girdle edge seen only under magnification. One stone has loss to one edge leaving a small gap between the edge of the stone and the collet. Also typical they have natural inclusions but for rose cuts with less facets that have a more glassy appearance, these have a nice clarity overall with some being completely eye clean, the center stone having just one small speck inclusion slightly eye visible if you are seeking it out, and then one that has some frosty inclusions to one side. The center diamond has a notable warmth to it especially when viewed from the side, also typical for the period.

As mentioned, the settings have an opening in the domed back to allow light to pass through. Some still have an outline of the domed back remaining as they wanted to keep the stones well sets, but it does the trick in allowing the light to pass through and brightening the stones.

Jewels of this period were meant to sparkle in the low light of candlelight and fireside dinners. The surfaces with their triangular faceting reflect lovely winks of sparkle.

Please note that all my pieces are pre-owned and in estate condition.  They will have patina, surface wear, a few small nicks.  These pieces may also have evidence of a sizing, some build up around the stones and / or inclusions seen under magnification, typical for antique pieces.  I have mentioned any noticeable issues above and they are all still wearable and eager to be loved and accepted for many years to come, (the preservation of antique jewelry, even those with signs of their age and history, is important to me. : )

But - Please note due to age, this piece is not in mint condition.  Pictures also serve as part of the description and condition report so please utilize the zoom feature which will magnify any wear significantly more than what is visible to the eye while wearing : )

SOCIAL:

Please feel free watch @mouseshouseantiques on Instagram for inventory drops, sneak peaks and previews! And check out my website www.MousesHouseAntiques.com as I can add more pics there so you can get extra looks : )

All items hand picked by me, one at a time from all over the world.  All listings individually written by me, and not AI, after studying each piece to discuss its beauties and its ; ) eccentricities (which I am picky to point out).

Many of my listings include group shots – I find the comparisons between pieces help show scale, diamond hues, etc.  All items in group shots are inventory, but refer to the website to see what items have sold out and to watch for new listings from the grouping to appear on the home page. 

Box#tmd.!1@5