Art Nouveau Opal & River Pearl Necklace

An antique Art Nouveau necklace, circa 1900, hand-crafted in 14k rose-tinted yellow gold in a collar style with five rounded triangular drops set with luminous boulder opal beads interspersed with natural irregularly shaped fresh water river pearls.

The simplicity of form, and juxtaposition of the two gems- the carved and lightly polished opals with their soft mysterious color and the randomly rough organic shapes of the pearls, illustrate aspects of the Art Nouveau movement that placed emphasis on appreciation for the natural world and the revival of unique handcraft. 

Details: Measuring approximately 16 1/2" long, each drop measures 5/8" by 5/8". Not marked for gold content but XRF tested for 14k. There are no identifying hallmarks.

Condition: In excellent condition with some abrasion and nibbles to the opals at the edges of the drilled channels through their center and subtle wear to the nacre of the pearls. The original barrel clasp is in good working order.