Age Of Elegance - Vintage Gold Plated Jewelled 19th Century French Silk Velvet Ribbon Choker Necklace (VN190)

Age Of Elegance - Vintage Gold Plated Jewelled 19th Century French Silk Velvet Choker Necklace. This gorgeous choker is crafted from gold plate over metal.  The choker features crystal rhinestones, marquise cut glass jade, simulated pearls, antique styling, and quality craftsmanship. This wonderful choker is comprised of an ornate brooch, which is adorned with beautiful emerald green rhinestone crystals, apple green glass jade, and white simulated pearls. The brooch is pinned onto an antique French olive green silk velvet ribbon from the 19th century. The ribbon ties in the back so the choker can be adjusted to your desired length. The pin can be worn on this green ribbon, which really brings out the colour of the beautiful green gems, or it can be worn as a brooch. This vintage piece looks stunning when worn, and is reminiscent of a time gone by (A style and colour scheme seen in the 18th and 19th century)

History: The story of glass beads began centuries before the Indians of North America used them for decoration and trade. One of the earliest production of glass beads has been traced to the Ancient Egyptians. Remains of a thriving glass works industry, dating back to 1365 B.C., has been discovered in Egypt.

Originally, rhinestones were rock crystals gathered from the river Rhine, hence the name, although some were also found in areas like the Alps (the source of the Rhine). Today the name "rhinestone" applies only to varieties of lead glass known as crystal glass.

Two forms of faux pearls were manufactured in Italy, the earliest, produced from at least the 13th century, and hailing from the ingenious glass workshops of Venice, were imitation glass pearls. Some of these pearls were apparently made from an intriguing mixture of powdered glass, snail slime and egg white.

The first velvet appeared in ancient Egypt and China, dating back to 2000 BC. The fabric was traded along the famous Silk Road to medieval Europe from the 1300s onwards. In Europe itself the cities of Venice and Genoa in Italy were some of the first to produce velvet.

Around 2500 BC, the Sumerians were the first to wear golden choker necklaces. The ruling Pharaohs also wore these necklaces and prized them in the Egyptian culture. Chokers have been a much-in-demand fashion accessory throughout history, and every century brought us a fresh style of these accessories.

Measurements: Brooch 45.00 mm x 38.00 mm    Velvet Choker: Adjustable, will fit almost all sizes. 

Stone Size: Crystal Rhinestones 2.00 mm   Glass Jade 8.00 mm x 4.50 mm    Pearl (Simulated) 2.00 mm - 1.50 mm 

Weight: 15.30 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: Europe         Ribbon: France 

Date: Circa 1960     Ribbon: Circa 1880