Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Malachite Necklace in 18K
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Van Cleef & Arpels, vintage, Alhambra malachite necklace in 18ct yellow gold. 15 mm, iconic clover leaf motif set with malachite, adorned with gold beads surround, attached to a 42 cm long chain. Finished weight 5.49 grams. Ref JA493165. Comes together with van Cleef & Arpels box.
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- Malachite - Malachite is bright copper-green coloured stone with concentric layers which displays distinct contrasting veinings. It has been valued in the past for making or decorating small precious objects such as clocks, jewellery, dishes and so. In the Orient it was used for snuff bottles and in Russia and was favoured by the Faberge workshop. larger pieces were used for table tops.
The principal source of supply was Russia but it is to be found in other regions such as Southern Africa, Mexico, Australia and France.
Malachite glass is a manufactured material that was intended to resemble malachite, but often bears more resemblance to a veined coloured marble due to its lower gloss finish and lack of concentric layers. Malachite glass was manufactured by many glassworks in the 19th century including Loetz in Austria and others in Bohemia and Davidson's Greener's and Sowerby in north eastern England.
It was particularly used for scent bottles, bowls, and small vases often decorated with nymphs.
Malachite glass has been manufactured continuously since the late nineteenth century, most is unmarked and it is difficult to distinguish the age or manufacturer of most commercial pieces.
This item has been included into following indexes:
- necklaces, set with - malachite 61
- necklaces, style or type - longchain 91
- Van Cleef & Arpels (France)