Uniform French Vintage to Antique 23.2g 18k GOLD Pearl Solid Traditional Marseille Necklace Smaller Beads Choker Collar Chain

ABOUT:

Back by popular demand! I collected a few of these during my inventory trips to France and this is the smaller scale one of two 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.

Found in Paris - This one has smaller but still eye catching sized beads that are all uniform in size vs. some that are graduating. Each bead is run on a gold foxtail link box chain. The piece is in real/solid 18k gold - not plated or gold filled, although the beads are hollow / have vacant space inside them which is the common fabrication. They are sturdy though and do not feel tinny, they do not flex when squeezing, etc. This one has a very sturdy and dense / heavy hand feel considering the beads are a smaller size. It it is similar in weight to the other I have listed with larger beads, and almost feels heavier because of the sturdiness of the small beads.

The French don't use dated hallmarks but this one appears to be an older one. Such a gorgeous glow with slightly rosy hue to the old patina! These have a beautiful story.

This is an all original French vintage to antique necklace / chain in rich, buttery 18k gold. It is very 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 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. What a wonderful tradition! These necklaces are still popular in the south of France. Here is a lovely vintage to antique one with beautiful patina and quality that came Paris.

There are French hallmarks for 18k gold with goldsmith stamp on the clasp and on the loop of the chain. The loop appears rough under magnification but it is quite sturdy, some of the unevenness is from the stamping but there also appears to be a bit of solder connecting it to the chain which may have been done in the fabrication.

Antique boxes / items in displays in photos are 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:
It weighs a sturdy 23.2g. Stretched end to end it's a little over 15.25 inches. The beads are all 5.2mm in diameter.

IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:

Please note that all my pieces are pre-owned and in estate condition. 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 due to the gauge of the beads. They all appear full and round, none are out of round or disfigured, rather just surface the surface scuffs and scratches here or there seen on the mirrored and reflective finish. But with such a gorgeous glow so I did not find this terribly noticeable or distracting. Something to look for in photos. There are no holes or punctures or sharp pin dings.

The clasp is a little stiff / slow in closing. It still functions and once it is closed it is sturdy, but I would be sure to manually push it closed / double check it just to make sure since it is an old clasp and isn't as springy as it once was. Some signs of it being worn from age, with some scuffs to some beads, some surface wear and patina especially between the beads where they rub together, but this is again only seen if you study it up close due to the mirrored finish. The chain was quite dark and dirty when I acquired it with build up in the intricate foxtail links. I ran it twice in the ultrasonic and tried to take a toothbrush to it by splitting the beads in small sections to make a gap to reach the chain and brush it, but it could use another soak and gentle cleaning. This is not seen while wearing as the chain is hidden within the beads except for the slightest gap to allow the beads to curve around the neck. I also noticed while handling it some slight curves to the piece but I assume that is just how the beads rest together and hang on the chain as there is no real damage to the piece. To the eye and while wearing it as an amazing color and shine, like I said it truly glows and the 23 grams of solid 18k gold make it a special piece indeed. 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.

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).

Box #Ms.!@2$