Victorian Harlequin Paste Drop Necklace

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Victorian Harlequin Paste Drop Necklace

$900.00

Description

DATE: Victorian, c.1900

This colourful harlequin drop necklace dates from the late Victorian period, circa 1900 and is set with a colourful array of faceted paste stones. The stones are arranged across the fine silver chain, with a series of articulated drops in the centre. The paste stones are beautifully coloured, and it has a wearable length of 15.7 inches.

The name "harlequin" was often used to describe jewellery set with many different coloured gemstones. It's in reference to Harlequin, one of the "comic servant" characters from the Italian Commedia dell’Arte tradition who was introduced in the late 16th century and popularised by Tristano Martinelli, the "Master of Harlequins". Characterised by his brightly chequered costume, he usually served as a direct contrast, sometimes in competition, with the sterner and melancholic Pierrot. The role was that of an astute, nimble, and overly light-hearted servant who would often attempt to thwart the plans of his master while pursuing his own love interest, Columbina.

STONES

Coloured Paste Stones

MEASUREMENTS

Wearable length: 15.7 inches

Width: 4mm

WEIGHT

5.8g

MARKS

No marks present, tests as silver

CONDITION

Excellent