Peruzzi style Italian silver and carnelian Chain Necklace

Made in the opening decades of the 20th c. this Italian Renaissance Revival exuberant chain necklace is made of silver and adorned with filigree and carnelian beads. Though unsigned its quality leads me to believe that it was most probably made by the Peruzzi Bros. Peruzzi jewelry are always marked yet not when it comes to their long chains whether they were sold alone or accompanying pendants. What attracts me about this piece is not only its luxurious length but also the beautiful filigree work in the silver beads and the ornate caps that hold the carnelians in place. Graduated in size the stones themselves look like candy, their semi-translucence showing interesting inclusions and delicate color variation…

Size/Weight: 42 1/8″ long; 73.9 grams

Hallmarks / Date: not signed for maker (see above for attribution) nor hallmarked for metal quality yet tested and guaranteed to be silver of at least .800 purity, if not sterling; 1920s-40s

Condition: excellent vintage with beautiful casting that easily shows the links’ detail, gorgeous carnelian beads, generous, luxurious length and great patina – no damage and no repairs noted

Inv.#14846