Vintage turquoise filigree lavaliere necklace

Probably made in Czechoslovakia in the 1940s, this is a striking laveliere necklace with exquisite detailing. It features sparkling aqua coloured navette and pear-shaped crystals set in antiqued goldtone metal and highlighted with delicate turquoise and white enamelling.

The centrepiece is composed of a medallion set with two large marquise stones which are overlaid with intricate enamelled foliate filigree work and small pear and round crystals. Three pretty pear-shaped aqua crystal tear drops dangle from the medallion, which is attached to a fine brass chain by four links comprising enamelled and filigree settings set with aqua crystals.

The necklace measures approximately 42 cm and fastens with a bolt ring closure. The central drop is 5 cm in total; each tear drop dangle is 2 cm long.

A lavaliere is an item of jewellery consisting of a pendant incorporated into a necklace. The style was made popular by the Duchesse de la Vallière, a mistress of King Louis XIV of France, during the mid 1660s.