Art Nouveau Carved MOP Butterfly & French Jet Sautoir Necklace c.1890s

Description

A beautiful original antique Art Nouveau butterfly necklace; formed of carved shimmering mother of pearl, set on original grosgrain ribbon, accented with mother of pearl beads, and inky black glass spacers, to a long teardrop black glass terminal.

Butterflies were a popular motif in the Art Nouveau era, which focused on the beauty found in nature; and butterflies were synonymous with fragility, love and transformation.

This piece is very much in the style of carved horn necklaces by Elizabeth Bonte, and Georges Pierre; but this is mother of pearl and unsigned so I’m selling it as of the same era but by an unknown designer.

A supremely elegant design with chic monochrome colour way, this would make a wonderful addition to any antique jewellery collection.

ERA: Victorian – c.1890s

ORIGIN: Likely French

MATERIAL: Mother of pearl (butterfly and round beads), French Jet (black glass beads), original antique grosgrain ribbon, base metal clasp.

SIZE: Main design is 12cm long (top of butterfly to bottom of teardrop), butterfly measures 5.5cm across, length of main necklace is 26″ (note that the ribbon has been folded shorter and sewn with a clasp but it could be made a longer length if desired.

CONDITION: Fair antique condition – no chips or cracks to the butterfly, main black drop, or the mother of pearl beads. All components are original, with antique addition of a base metal clasp. Some condition notes to highlight:

• One French Jet black bead (top right) has been chipped at one end, split lengthwise and then reglued together but this is an antique repair and not immediately noticeable or affecting the overall look of the piece.
• The original ribbon is delicate but secure. However, it has had an antique amendment; it has been sewn quite amateurishly to make it shorter and add a base metal clasp. This could very easily be unpicked to tidy up / revert to original length but I wanted to leave as is for the buyer to decide what they want to do with it.

These condition points have already been factored into the pricing. Please note that perfect and signed pieces go for at least £500-2k so with this purchase you can secure a very wearable original antique piece at a budget price. Box is for illustration only, but this will come beautifully gift wrapped. Video available on request.

SHIPPING: Free inside the U.S. and to the UK – see customer care section for terms and conditions of shipping.

RETURNS: Accepted – but please read the customer care page before purchase to ensure you understand the terms and conditions of sale.

TAGS: Art Nouveau Carved MOP Butterfly French Jet Sautoir Necklace c.1890s