Antique jewelry glossary

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Pearl necklace

A necklace composed exclusively of pearls (except for the clasp, which is usually set with one or more gemstones). A necklace of good quality has pearls that are matched as to colour and orient, and are well graduated from the largest one at the centre. Some necklaces consist of two or more strands of varying lengths.

In a necklace the pearls should be strung with a knot between the pearls, to avoid loss in case of breakage. Some lengths are adjustable by a small attachment that forms a loop at the rear. Sometimes called a Sautoir or 'rope of pearls' when long.

From: An Illustrated Dictionary of Jewelry, autor: Harold Newman, publishers: Thames and Hudson