A demi-parure, "parure" meaning "adorn" in French,?is a partial set of matching jewelry designed to be worn en suite. This incredible handcrafted pink topaz?necklace and earring set is from the early Georgian (ca1750s) era and comprised of a riviera style necklace and a pair of complementary day-to-night earrings.
The necklace features 41 graduated and faceted oval-shaped pink topaz stones that look stunning against their 18kt?yellow gold, foil-back?collet settings. The glittering topaz stones display various shades of?pale to light pinks, each link encircled by a brilliant beaded sunburst motif. A secure clasp is incorporated into the design, hidden beneath a pink topaz?link, and a hidden hook bail is found behind the central link. The necklace drapes beautifully against the wearer's neckline, creating a fantastic and regal appeal when worn.
The earrings begin with an oval-shaped pink topaz stone, set in an East-to-West style. Feminine cannetille wirework?and small gold beads with a finely stippled texture decorate the surmount, each securing to the ear by?back-to-front European wires. An elaborate teardrop-shaped link, the day-to-night conversion, hangs below and adorns matching wirework and textured accents along with five vibrant pink topaz stones. These dangling teardrop accents may be removed from the surmounts for a daytime look and additionally, one may be attached to the discrete hook bail on the necklace to create an even more ornate neckline! This magnificent set is truly exceptional and it would be a fabulous addition to any Georgian collection!
Measurements:?The necklace measures approximately 16" in total length. The pink topaz?links range from about 5/16" by 1/4" at their smallest to 5/8 tall by 1/2" at the center. Each "day" portion of the earring?design hangs 9/16" long and is 1/2" wide. The "night" portion of the cannetille teardrop link is about 1 7/16" long and 5/8"?at its widest point. When worn together, the earrings hang just under 2" in total length.
Condition: The set is in overall excellent antique condition. There is no significant damage to the gold setting in the necklace, though minor bead details are missing due to wear and age. There is dimpling on some of the closed-back settings, but this is typical of a mid-18th century piece, is not visible when worn, and does not affect the integrity of the piece. There is variation between the gold coloring, also typical of a piece from the 1750s era. Both the necklace clasp and the earring clips are secure and in good working condition.
