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Antique 1920s Glass Beaded Choker Necklace with Sterling Clasp
$150.00
This is an unusual and intricately constructed antique glass beaded choker necklace, dating to approximately 1915–1930 and most likely the 1920s.
The necklace is composed of multiple lengths of antiqued brass-coloured chain densely embellished with hundreds of tiny pale lavender coloured glass beads. The beads are individually wired in small groups, creating a profuse, almost feathery or floral effect around the chains. The extremely dense beadwork gives the necklace wonderful texture and movement.
The beads are small and somewhat irregular in shape and size, consistent with early glass beads rather than modern plastic beads. Each little group has been individually assembled on fine metal wire, making this an exceptionally labour-intensive piece of jewellery.
The necklace closes with a decorative rectangular sterling silver box clasp, with an openwork geometric design on the front. The reverse is clearly stamped STERLING S. The combination of the geometric clasp, short multi-strand construction and intricate wired glass beadwork is characteristic of jewellery from the late Edwardian to early Art Deco period.
No maker's mark is present, and I have not been able to establish the manufacturer or country of origin. Although similar elaborate glass-beaded jewellery was produced in Czechoslovakia during this period, I have not found sufficient evidence to attribute this necklace specifically to a Czech maker.
Measurements: approximately 14 1/4" long when laid out straight.
Because of its short length, the necklace is intended to be worn as a choker, sitting quite close to the neck.
Condition: Very good condition, especially considering its age and the extraordinarily delicate construction. The metal has developed an aged patina, which I have left untouched. The beadwork appears well preserved given the sheer number of individually wired beads. Please examine the photographs closely for condition and construction.
This is a particularly unusual surviving example of early 20th-century hand-wired glass bead jewellery. Its dense, almost frothy beadwork, dual chains and decorative sterling clasp make it a striking piece that is sure to be noticed!