Arts & Crafts Opal Sautoir Necklace
An outstanding Arts & Crafts sautoir necklace with breathtaking silver-work inspired by nature. Dating from the early 20th century, circa 1905, it's home to nine vibrant Australian opal nuggets - 220 carats is a conservative estimate - mounted in vine-like silver 'cages'. The principal stone hangs from a tangle of leaves, vines, and fruit, and the chain comprises twisted infinity links.
From Lang's AJU: Sautoirs, as we know them today, evolved in the early part of the twentieth century in response to the elongation of the feminine silhouette created by the columnar styling of dresses of the period. Woven or twisted ropes of pearls suspending a tassel were by far the most popular sautoirs but an inevitable progression toward geometric diamond and gem-set sautoirs saw a wide variety of designs by the Art Deco period.
Fashioning precious opal is a precise art, and these stones have been allowed to keep an natural, pebble-like form - completely free from the rock matrix - that showcases their gorgeous play-of-colour: vivid flashes comprising all the colours of the rainbow.
Era: Arts & Crafts, circa 1905
Length: 53 inches (with a clasp to wear doubled)
Main pendant: 4cm
Stones: White opal nuggets, estimated 220 carats in total (origin opinion: Australia). Principal stone estimated at 60 carats
Marks: None, tested as sterling silver
Condition: Good antique condition. Wear consistent with age and use including a chip to the lower part of the principal stone (see images) and a few minor chips to others
Full appraisal document provided with each item
This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable)
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain)
Shipping
Express shipping is free of charge and carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
UPS Express (International)
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
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Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£35 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
Leave a note at checkout with your desired size
Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
A 25% deposit will be taken to secure the item. The remaining balance will be settled in 90 days. You can pay installments weekly, monthly, or the full balance at the end - whatever works.
Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved, often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff/scrape are quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
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