A gold, old-cut diamond, pearl and agate necklace, circa 1865

The design is completely emblematic of high Victorian jewels with its deep fringe of star rosette pendants so much in vogue from the 1860s, supported by a rich chain work of tubular ‘gas pipe’ linking.

The choice of banded agate is what marks this necklace out as exceptional in the way the veins of the stone become an integral part of the design.

We especially like the row of pear-shaped drops where the contrasting colour bands have been used to great effect.

Although clearly influenced by contemporary French design, this necklace is firmly rooted in English taste and tradition.

Beautifully crafted, supple and articulated, it sits beautifully around the neck: it would be a splendid, stunning and original jewel for any grand event.

And…how lovely that it has retained its original fitted case!

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Further details:
Diamond, pearl and agate necklace by Hancocks c. 1865 designed as an extravagant festoon of swags, drops and star-like motifs, the gold snake-link chain set to the front with alternating banded agate cabochons and natural saltwater half-pearls suspending four drop-shaped pearls within a bib-like double row of chain swags, five graduated star-shaped motifs each set with six oval banded agate cabochons with an old-cut diamond to the centre and five graduated elongated drop-shaped agates with scroll and star surmounts set with rose-cut diamonds, all to a concealed tongue and box clasp, in original fitted case

Gemstones and other materials:
5 x old mine cut diamonds weighing a combined total of approximately 2.6cts; 191 rose- and old-cut diamonds estimated to weigh a combined total of approximately 2.2cts; 8 natural saltwater half pearls and 4 drop shape pearls; 41 agate cabochons

Setting: 18ct yellow gold

Weight description: 78 grams

Dimensions: 16 inches / 40.6cm

For further information on the gold, old-cut diamond, pearl and agate necklace:
info@understanding-jewellery.com