After Eight - Vintage Signed 'Amsel' Sterling Silver Natural Black Alaskan Diamond & Crystal Rhinestone Necklace (VN218)

After Eight - Vintage Signed 'Amsel' Sterling Silver Natural Black Alaskan Diamond Crystal Rhinestone Necklace. This lovely necklace is crafted from sterling silver, hallmarked AMSEL STERLING. The necklace features three natural oval shaped faceted Black Alaskan Diamond (Hematite), numerous round cut crystal rhinestones, vintage styling, and quality craftsmanship. The galleries on this necklace are expertly claw-set with beautiful charcoal grey hematite gems, which have an exquisite sparkling crystal  rhinestone surround. The rhinestones are hand-set like diamonds in sterling silver, which makes this necklace a high quality piece. The clasp is a fold-over type,  which is in perfect working order. This necklace is made beautifully and has wonderful little finishing touches, such as an extender, and rhinestone drops, which dangle from clasp. This vintage necklace would make a perfect special occasion necklace, which can be cherished and enjoyed for many years to come. 

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.

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.

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".

The history of the Canadian jewelry brand Amsel began in 1962 and lasted just over a decade. The company was mentioned in business directories of Québec silver jewelry manufacturers in 1963, 1967 and 1973. The Amsel Bros Company, located at 4372 blvd. St-Laurent, Montreal, handcrafted silver, gold and metal items.

Measurements: Necklace 14" - 15"- 16" (Adjustable) 

Stone Size: Black Alaskan Diamond (Hematite) 10.00 mm x 8.00 mm     Crystal Rhinestone 4.50 mm - 3.00 mm 

Weight: 24.90 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: Canada, Montreal  

Date: Circa 1960