Highly important Art Nouveau necklace comprising over 45cts of Australian fire opals, c. 1900, the14kt gold frame having seven central sections consisting of long, sinuous curves and foliated branches serving as prongs set with cabochon cut opals, opal drops, pearls and diamonds and draped with cable link chain, the necklace is completed by (8) bezel set opals connected by two strands of cable chain and a box clasp topped with an opal, the central section may be detached by unscrewing threaded pins and worn as a pendant by slipping a chain through two hidden bails.
The necklace is set with:
(23) cabochon oval cut & tear drop opals, totaling over 45 carats;
(19) fresh water pearls, approx 5mm each;
(52) single cut diamonds, approx. 0.78 cts., average clarity: VS2-SI1, average color: G-H;
The necklace is presented in the original leather case**This rare jewel has been in the care of the a private collection since the 1970's. The piece was featured on an episode of the television show Find! in the 1980's. Hosts Leigh and Leslie Keno, along with their expert appraiser examine the necklace reputed to have once belonged to the iconic Elsie De Wolfe American Interior Designer, 1865-1950.
