Georgian Collet Necklace Collaboration with Duchessa

     Duchessa and I have collaborated to offer amazingly accurate reproduction collet necklaces of a specific style from the 18th and 19th century.  From the settings, crystal, and pendant hook/pendant cross options, I am now offering these lovely necklaces in my Etsy shop!  Be on the lookout for more pendant options for these lovely and amazing necklaces.

Duchessa / Sign of the Gray Horse collaboration collet necklace in aquamarine

and silver - with a pendant loop and matching cross

     My observations on these style necklaces is that they have been worn on and off throughout the 18th and up into the 19th centuries (today too but my focus is on the historical aspects), and in different ways.  I have two Pinterest boards that I hoard portraits, prints, and pictures of original pieces.  You can find them here for 18th century and here for 19th century.  

Light Rose and Emerald necklaces with setting detail in gold

     In the 18th century, I see these necklaces worn as chokers in paintings.  Really kind of cool.  I also see jewels/paste were put onto black velvet or ribbons.  They were often made with a loop to add or remove a pendant.  I truly believe it was up to the wearer on how they put it on, and when they wore it (if in fashion or not).

Necklaces in Light Rose, Emerald, Bright Sapphire in gold and Light Rose in silver

with pendant loops

Emerald and gold necklace with a clear crystal teardrop pendant - added to it for a different look

Unknown Lady (Possibly Mrs. Fitzhugh Green) by  John Durant  circa 1768-1770

Visual Grace: Important American Folk Art from the Collection of Ralph O. Esmerian, Lot 606, January 25, 2014, Sotheby's, New York.

Lady Frances Montagu, 1734

Paula Melzi d'Eril, 9ª Condesa de Eril, G.E., 3ª Marquesa de Lazán, 4ª Marquesa de Cañizar y 10ª Marquesa de Navarrés by Francisco Bayeu, 1770-1775 (also notice her fan, miniature portrait bracelets, and amazing lace kerchief and flounces)

     In the 19th century, we see the necklaces worn lower.  They also include pendants as well.

Mrs Francis Johnston, Anne Barnes, by Thomas Clement Thompson circa 1820s

Topaz necklace belonging to First Lady Elizabeth Monroe, c. 1817-1825 

Museum of American History

Our reproduction in Citrine paste

Wilhelmina Jacoba van Pembroek by Charles Howard Hodges, circa 1820

Georgian Citrine Riviere Necklace with Pear Shape Drop, circa 1830

Queen Alexandra in 1883 (notice the pearls inbetween - so awesome)

     The Duchessa necklaces measure 16 inches long, but with the chain, you can extend it up to 20 inches.  You can add a pendant for evening or leave it off for daywear - just as they did in the time periods.  Find these amazing necklaces in my Etsy shop by clicking on this link, searching for SignoftheGrayHorse (all one word), or in the link here on my blog (top left hand side).