ECCO - Vintage Sterling Silver Natural Black Alaskan Diamond Filigree Necklace (VN217)

Ecco- Vintage Sterling Silver Natural Black Alaskan Diamond Filigree Necklace. This lovely necklace is crafted from sterling silver, hallmarked ECCO STERLING. The necklace features one natural pear shaped Black Alaskan Diamond (Hematite), two natural marquise cut Black Alaskan Diamonds, vintage styling, and quality craftsmanship. The gallery on this necklace is expertly claw-set with beautiful charcoal grey hematite gems, which have an exquisite filigree surround to each of the settings. The chain is a twisted rope design, featuring a secure spring ring clasp in perfect working order. This vintage necklace is versatile, and can be worn day or night with everything and anything. 

History: Hematite (Black Alaskan Diamond) residues are also found in graves from 80,000 years ago. Near Rydno in Poland and Lovas in Hungary red chalk mines have been found that are from 5000 BC, belonging to the Linear Pottery culture at the Upper Rhine.

Silver Mining in History. The story of silver mining began about 5,000 years ago. Silver was first mined around 3,000 BCE in Anatolia, now located in modern-day Turkey. The precious metal helped early civilizations in the Near East, Ancient Greece to flourish.

The term "sterling silver" probably originated in eastern Germany when five towns formed the Hanseatic League in the 1100s. These town minted their own coins of 92.5 percent silver. When Britain sold cattle and grain to the League, they were paid in "Easterling coins".

ECCO, an abbreviation for the Electric Chain Company of Canada were active from 1916 to 1950. They produced pretty pieces of jewellery usually made from Sterling Silver or rolled gold.

Measurements: Necklace 16 1/2" 

Stone Size: Black Alaskan Diamond (Hematite)  Pear Shape 18.50 mm x 8.00 mm    Marquise Shape 10.00 mm x 5.00 mm 

Weight: 7.30 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: Canada 

Date: Circa 1940