Peruzzi Treasure - Victorian Italian Sterling Silver Ornate Open-work Chain Necklace (VICN025)

Peruzzi Treasure - Victorian Italian Sterling Silver Ornate Open-Work Chain Necklace. This exquisite chain is crafted from sterling silver, tested.  Featuring exquisite detail, Victorian era styling and quality craftsmanship. The necklace is breathtaking with alternating open-work links of flowers and fleur de lis. Th differently designed chased links add beauty and interest to the piece. The necklace displays a beautiful aged patina, adding character to the gorgeous necklace. The clasp is a secure spring ring in perfect working order. This stunning Victorian Renaissance Revival piece is a rare find, truly a special necklace to be treasured and enjoyed for many years to come. 

History: The Peruzzi jewelry family has a dual history, encompassing both a Florentine silversmith tradition and a separate legacy of diamond cutting, with the Fratelli Peruzzi Silversmiths established in Florence in 1860 and operating today, while Peruzzi diamond cutting refers to Vincenzo Peruzzi, a 17th-18th century pioneer of the Peruzzi diamond cut who helped establish Venice as a diamond cutting centre. The Fratelli Peruzzi silversmiths, founded by Giuseppe and Giulia, gained renown for their Italian Victorian-era silverwork and eventually opened a Boston branch in 1910, which operated until the family returned to Florence in the 1970s. The business remains in the family, now run by the fourth generation, Gianna Peruzzi and her sister-in-law Laura, who continue the legacy from their Florence location.

The first evidence of silver mining dates back to 3000 B.C., in Turkey and Greece, according to the RSC. Ancient people even figured out how to refine silver. They heated the silver ore and blew air over it, a process called cupellation.

The sterling alloy originated in continental Europe and was being used for commerce as early as the 12th century in the area that is now northern Germany. A piece of sterling silver dating from Henry II's reign was used as a standard in the Trial of the Pyx until it was deposited at the Royal Mint in 1843.

Measurements: Necklace 23"

Weight: 27.60 grams 

Condition: Excellent

Origin: Italy, Florence    Provenance: France 

Date: Circa 1880