Lot 209 , A rare Georgian 'Coque de Perle' necklace, circa 1750

A rare Georgian 'Coque de Perle' necklace, circa 1750, composed of oval links set with domed mother of pearl, each backed with a section of mother of pearl, suspending a central pendant, each end of the necklace terminating in a hoop intended for ribbon, length 30cm, length at front 7.1cm including pendant, original fitted case

'Coque de perle' is the term given to a composites of domed shell, stabilised with a cement and backed with mother of pearl, which were popular for their high iridescence.

Cf.: a Coque de Perle and diamond necklace dated c.1740-60 from the collection of Dame Joan Evans, in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, accession no. M.151&PART-1975
£400-600

Condition:
Overall in good, wearable condition. Some areas of minor damage - a chip to the top edge of the top link in the pendant, a loss to the edge of the final link to the right (would be at the back when worn), and a couple of hairline cracks and minor chips to some of the other links. Backs generally in good condition, with the exception of one minor chip (in pictures). These are overall minor and do not detract from the beauty of the necklace. Mount is untested and not guaranteed - possibly gold but more likely to be gilt metal, with minor areas of dark discoloration around the junctures of links. Overall a very attractive jewel in good condition despite its considerable age and intrinsic fragility. Original fitted case is generally intact with minor, typical age-related wear.