After Eight - Vintage Signed 'Nina Ricci' Gold Plated Onyx & Austrian Swarovski Crystal Rhinestone Necklace (VN213)

After Eight- Vintage Signed 'Nina Ricci' Gold Plated Onyx & Austrian Swarovski Crystal Rhinestone Necklace. This gorgeous necklace is crafted from gold plate over metal. hall marked Nina Ricci. The necklace features one simulated round onyx gemstone, numerous round cut Swarovski crystal rhinestones, Classic styling, and quality craftsmanship.  Crafted as a high quality fine jewelry piece, this wonderful necklace is comprised of a beautiful herringbone style necklace, and a central drop. The drop is set with a black onyx coloured simulated gemstone, which is surround by sparkling white rhinestone crystals. The necklace features a double fold-over clasp, which is in perfect working order. This vintage necklace is made by the talented designer Nina Ricci. Truly a quality piece to be enjoyed for many years to come. 

History: Nina Ricci was an Italian-born French fashion designer. She was born in Turin, Italy, and moved to France at the age of 12. At the age of 13, she began an apprenticeship at a dressmaker's.

Nina Ricci was founded in 1932 by Maria "Nina" Ricci, and her son Robert. Maria was Italian-born French fashion designed , and she had been working as a seamstress and dressmaker since she was a child. She opened her own couture house in Paris in 1932, and her designs quickly became popular with women and all ages. 

In the 1940s, Nina Ricci's designs became known for their feminine and romantic style. She was one of the first designers to use the colour pink in her collections, and she also popularized the use of lace and chiffon. Her designs were worn by some famous women in the world, including Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly. 

Nina Ricci's designs became more youthful and modern in the 1960s. She was influenced by the new trends of the era, such as the miniskirt and the shift dress. Hew Designs were still feminine, but they were more casual to wear. 

In the 1980s and the 1990s , Nina Ricci's designs became more sophisticated and luxurious. She used high quality fabrics and finishes, and often her designs were often decorated with crystals and beads. Her clothes were worn by celebrities such as Madonna and Jennifer Lopez. 

Nina Ricci has continued to produce high-quality clothing and accessories in the 21st century. The brand has collaborated with a number of famous designers, including Olivier Theyskens and Peter Copp[ing. Nina Ricci's clothes are still known for their feminine and romantic style, but they are also modern and versatile. 

Nina Ricci remains a leading fashion brand with global presence and the company's products are sold in over 100 countries. Nina Ricci is still known for its feminine and romantic style, byte it also produces a range of more casual and sporty clothes. The brand's accessories are popular , and it produces a range of handbags, shoes, and jewellery. 

The term Rhinestone was given to the little sparkles after the river Rhine, where quartz pebbles, rock crystals with a high lead content were originally found. Folk would collect them from the shores, jewellers cutting and moulding them into little imitation diamonds.

In 1883, Daniel formed a jewelry company and by 1886, they had over 70 employees, and supplied jewelry for Queen Victoria. In 1891, Daniel registered a patent for the crystal cutting machine that he created and in 1895, moved from Bohemia to Wattens, Austria to begin crystal production.

The technology behind gold plated jewelry is credited to Italian chemist Luigi Brugnatelli. In 1805, he discovered the process for electroplating. It was quickly adopted for jewelry styles, with many Victorian jewelry pieces using gold plating.

Measurements: Necklace 16" 

Stone Size: Onyx (Simulated) 16.00 mm round    Swarovski Crystals 2.00 mm each 

Weight: 25.20 grams 

Condition: Excellent   

Origin: France 

Date: Circa 1980