Antique Filigree Rock Crystal Necklace, 19th Century The Netherlands

Shimmering like a dusk star, this extremely rare necklace is a unique collectors item.

The Star is an antique Dutch gold 'Zeeuwse Knop' necklace adorned with rock crystals. This collectible Victorian era chain has a divine filigree pattern and is made of solid 18k yellow gold. Each link has a diamond shape and is set with 5 faceted rock crystals. The rock crystals are preserved in a superb shape and are set on white foil. This is an old technique commonly used in 17 - early 19th century which was used to give the stone an extra shine and depth. The foil plays a role of mirror behind the stone and gives it a fairy-tale-like shimmer.

This is a unique and very old necklace, it is beautifully preserved with all original details. The lock is marked with a Dutch 'Swan' mark and has an additional security chain to prevent it from sliding down in case the lock opens.

Details:
Origin: Netherlands;
Hallmarks: on each link Dutch stamp - "Swan" for 18k Gold and masters mark, was also acid-tested positive as 18k gold;
Gemstones: foiled 'rose cut' rock crystal;
Length: 16.5" or 42 cm;
Weight: 18.3 g;

'Zeeuwse Knop' or 'Zeeland Knot' has a history that goes back to the end of the seventeenth century. At the time, the men wore the such 'knot' buttons on their shirt, jacket or on their collar as a 'throat button'. Later, the women also wore it as a piece of jewelry, for example as a hat pin or as a brooch . The buttons were made of silver or gold and were a status symbol at the time: the larger the button, the richer and more important the wearer was.