Vienna, circa 1960s
This finely made 14K gold necklace features a twisted gold chain interspersed with eight bezel-set oval chrysoprase plaques of vivid green hue. Between each plaque are stylized leaf-motif gold spacers, further ornamented with paired gold beads. The careful balance of color and form, combined with the restrained elegance of the design, exemplifies mid-20th-century taste for refined naturalistic jewelry.
The intricate goldwork, with its emphasis on texture, symmetry, and ornamental detail, echoes the aesthetic of Byzantine jewelry design.
Chrysoprase is a valuable variety of chalcedony.
Marked on clasp with Austrian horse head assay mark, ‘W’ for Vienna, and maker’s initials.
Weight is 38.3 grams.
Length is 100 cm (39 1/2 in.)
