Recently Sold (VN146)

New York, New York! - Vintage Signed BSK Gold Plated Pearl & Crystal Rhinestone Necklace. This lovely necklace is crafted from gold plate over base metal, hallmarked BSK. Featuring simulated marquise and round pearls, vintage styling, makers hallmark, vintage styling, and quality craftsmanship. The gallery on this necklace is expertly set with beautiful marquise shaped white pearls, which are interspaced with sparkling red/blue crystals . The extender is set with round pearls , which is interspaced with gold links so the necklace can be adjusted to the length that you desire. This vintage necklace looks gorgeous when worn, truly a perfect piece to add to your collection. 

History: In Ancient Rome glass beads were coated with silver and then coated again with glass in an attempt to replicate the lustre of pearls. Small balls of clay coated with mica powder and then baked, were another early attempt to create the appearance of natural pearls.

In the second half of the 17th century Jacquin patented a method of making fake pearls from hollow blown glass spheres that were coated on the inside with ground fish scales, applied in a liquid form that was granted the poetic name, essence d'orient.

Centuries ago, quartz pebbles with a high lead content were found sparkling on the banks of Europe's Rhine River. These beautiful, natural stones were highly coveted and were eventually depleted, inspiring jewelers to create an imitation, aptly named the "rhinestone."

These Pre-Columbian smiths used alloys of copper with gold and silver known as tumbaga. However, it wasn't until 1805 that Italian chemist Luigi Brugnatelli invented electroplating.

BSK Jewellery was a New York City based company that was in business from the 1940′s -1950′s. The initials B.S.K. stood for the first initials of the owner's names. The B was for Benny Steinberg, the S was for Hy Slovitt and the K was for Mr. Kaslo.

Measurements: Necklace  13" - 15 3/4" 

Stone Size: Pearl (marquise) 9.00 mm x 4.00 mm    Pearl (round) 6.00 mm  Rhinestone 3.50 mm 

Weight: 35.40 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: America, New York 

Date: 1950s