Old-Mine Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Art Deco Necklace, France, ca. 1920s

A magnificent French emerald, ruby and diamond Art Deco necklace, ca. 1920s. The large old-mine emerald beads have a deep green colour and crystal. They are alternatingly strung next to two old ruby beads in a graduating manner. The clasp at the end is of a geometric design, set with elongated diamonds. The total emerald weight is approximately 165 carats and the total ruby weight is approximately 110 carats, with a necklace length of 46cm. The clasp has a safety chain and is stamped with the French assay marks for platinum and 18k gold. Whereas this necklace is unsigned, it can be attributed to one of the big Parisian jewellery houses. Especially Cartier, but also the likes of Lacloche Frères, Van Cleef & Arpels, Mauboussin and others were fascinated by the gemstones they encountered in their trips to India. These gemstones were brought back to Place Vendôme in Paris, also as commissions from Indian royalties, in order to create impressive and unique jewellery pieces. From the day they were created until today, these pieces have always been highly sought after and are rare collective items.