Graceful Living - Vintage Gold Tone Crystal & Glass Jewelled French Blue Silk Velvet Ribbon Choker Necklace (VN188)

Graceful Living - Vintage Gold Tone Crystal & Glass Jewelled French Blue Silk Velvet Ribbon Choker Necklace. This exquisite choker is crafted from gold plated metal and brass. The choker features glass seed pearls, turquoise, opal and crystals, antique styling, and quality craftsmanship. This choker is comprised of an ornate brooch, which is adorned by beautiful glass and crystal gemstones. The brooch is pinned onto an antique French blue silk velvet ribbon from the 1920s. The ribbon ties in the back so the choker can be adjusted to your desired length. The pin can be worn on this blue ribbon, which really brings out the colour of the beautiful turquoise, or it can be worn as a brooch. This vintage piece looks stunning when worn, and is reminiscent from a time that has 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.

Joseph Strasser could be credited with the precursor to our present-day Rhinestone, but it was really when Georg Freidrich Strass in 1760 invented the first ever rhinestone(artificial gemstone) from a special type of crystal found in the Rhine River that the stones we know today were born.

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 26.50 mm x 23.50 mm    Velvet Choker: Adjustable, will fit almost all sizes. 

Stone Size: Variety of sizes 

Weight: 6.60 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: Europe         Ribbon: France 

Date: Circa 1960     Ribbon: 1920s