One doesn’t normally associate beautiful jewelry with the time of the Spanish Inquisition. But in the Smithsonian Institution’s collection of gems, there is an exquisite necklace of diamonds and emeralds.
It is a spectacular double row of diamonds and emeralds ending in a chandelier of emeralds. There is unfortunately very little information about the provenance of this necklace. The large diamonds and Columbian emeralds were most likely cut in India in the 17th century. This would make them one of the earliest examples of cut gemstones in the Smithsonian’s Collection. There are really only legends surrounding this necklace. They indicate that it was worn at times by Spanish and French royalty. In the early 20th century, it was purchased by the Maharajah of Indore, whose son sold the necklace in 1947 to Harry Winston. Winston subsequently sold the necklace to Mrs. Cora Hubbard Williams of Pittsburgh. She bequeathed it to the Smithsonian in 1972.
Emeralds are a form of crystal known as beryls. Beryls are normally clear crystals, but when infused with chromium or vanadium, they attain various gradations of green. The purest green are the rarest emeralds and many people actually prefer an emerald that has a blue-green tint.
Before the 16th century, the only known emerald deposits were in Cleopatra’s Egyptian mines. But after emeralds were discovered in Columbia, those became the “gold standard” in emeralds. Columbian emeralds have been discovered by archaeologists among artifacts of such tribes as the Inca, Maya, Aztec, Toltec and the lesser-known Chibcha Indians. Emeralds are among the rarest of gemstones and can be more expensive per carat than even the finest diamonds! They are a hard mineral, with a Moh’s hardness scale of 7 or 8 (compared to a diamond’s 10). While most emeralds are found in Africa, Russia and Africa, there have been discoveries of emerald deposits in North Carolina!
Diane Gilman Multirow Woven Disc 3-Row 19 Drop Necklace
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ANTIQUE EDWARDIAN 4.20ctw OLD MINE DIAMOND PLATINUM CHANDELIER NECKLACE 1910 $12,995.00 |
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New CERTIFIED 45.85 CTW Sapphire 14K Gold Chandelier Necklace Weight 58.3g. $5,749.00 |
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New CERTIFIED 60.3 CTW Sapphire 14K Gold Chandelier Necklace Weight 38.30g. $4,189.00 |
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32 CT★DIAMOND/AQUAMARINE★CHANDELIER★EARRINGS★NECKLACE★2 $3,999.00 |
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LESLIE GREENE Y/G Diamond LG oval chandelier necklace $2,995.00 |
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LEVIAN 18K Y/G MULTI STONE CHANDELIER NECKLACE $2,500.00 |
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new BACCARAT PAMPILLES RUBY 17" NECKLACE Stefano Poletti chandelier droplet MIB $2,250.00 |
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new BACCARAT PAMPILLES BLACK 17" NECKLACE Stefano Poletti chandelier droplet MIB $2,250.00 |
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Romantic Dinner/woof Photo Mugs Sultry brunette dinner date in strapless decollete evening gown, diamante necklace a earrings, lights her cigarette in a holder from a candle. Her man friend stands by..... |
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NEW Red Chandelier Silhouette Necklace, Limited. Red Chandelier Silhouette Necklace - Red Chandelier Silhouette Necklace 5 inch Diameter Neck Ring... |
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Steampunk Watch Gears Chandelier Necklace Toggle Clasp $22.99 Steampunk is a subgenera of science fiction, alternate history, and speculative fiction that involves an era or world where steam power is still widely used usually the 19th century and often Victorian era Britannia that incorporates prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy. This beautiful Steampunk themed chandelier necklace features bronzed and silvertone gears and pivots, like t... |
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Steampunk Clock Gears Chandelier Necklace And Earrings $22.99 Steampunk is a subgenera of science fiction, alternate history, and speculative fiction that involves an era or world where steam power is still widely used usually the 19th century and often Victorian era Britannia that incorporates prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy. This beautiful Steampunk themed chandelier necklace and earrings set features bronzed and silvertone gears a... |
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Luv AJ The Crystal Cross Chandelier Earring,Jewelry for Women Luv AJ The Crystal Cross Chandelier Earring,Jewelry for Women:... |
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Prop Plane Pendant Chandelier $207.00 A pendant kids chandelier for the young at heart, this bright design adds a fun accent to bedrooms and play areas. Old fashioned prop plane features satin chrome ceiling mount, wing and details. Plane body is in frosted glass.... |
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Luciana Antique Gold Champagne Deco Style 6 Light Crystal Chandelier $1,388.00 Evoking the magical effect of dew drops in morning light, this deco chandelier celebrates natural motifs in the most elegant of language. Palm fronds, faceted crystal swags and drops, and 6 bulbs all combine to create a delicate delight perfect for traditional dining rooms and entrances.... |
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Kovacs P194-084 Brushed Nickel Alecias Necklace Contemporary / Modern Up Lighting 3 Light Pendant wi Contemporary / Modern Up Lighting 3 Light Pendant with Cylindrical Fabric Shade from the Alecia s Necklace Collection With designs reminiscent of circuitry, the Alecias Necklace 3 Light Pendant is a fantastic way to add contemporary style and modern illumination to any room. Features: Uses (3) 100 watt Medium Base Bulbs (Not Included) Adj. To 51"H Max. Etched Diffuser Contemporary / Modern Theme C... |
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Amethyst and Pearl Chandelier Necklace (5-7 mm) (Thailand) $50.99 Dress up any outfit with a touch of this handcrafted chandelier necklace. This necklace was handmade in Thailand by artisan Jeab and features lovely amethyst and dyed pearls. |
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Sterling Silver Amethyst and Moonstone Chandelier Necklace (Thailand) $33.99 Featuring a unique chandelier design drop pendants, this stylish necklace is adorned with onyx or moonstone gemstones. This handmade necklace features a brushed finish and secures with a spring ring clasp. |
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Anna & Rose 'Chandelier Monogram' Necklace $18.49 This charming pendant features a vintage chandelier and the other side has an elaborate monogrammed letter of your choice. Each double-sided pendant includes an 18-inch ball chain necklace. |
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Anna and Rose Glass Classic Vintage Chandelier Monogram Charm Necklace $18.49 One side of the pendant features a vintage chandelier image and the reverse side has a bold monogram in black. This necklace is crafted of glass and lead-free solder on a ball chain. |
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Handmade Drop Cluster Multistone Green Flower Pendant Necklace (Thailand) $36.49 A mix of turquoise, coral, carnelian, amethyst, onyx and mother of pearl stones highlight this pendant necklace. The lovely necklace was handmade by artisans in Thailand. |
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Sterling Silver White Diamonds Heart Pendant Necklace $49.99 This attractive heart pendant is crafted with sterling silver and six round-cut white diamonds. The beautiful pendant hangs on a cable chain, secured with a spring clasp and delights with a glinting high polish finish. |
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Handmade Drop Cluster Multistone White Flower Pendant Necklace (Thailand) $31.49 A mix of turquoise, coral, carnelian, amethyst, onyx and mother of pearl stones highlight this pendant necklace. The lovely necklace was handmade by artisans in Thailand. |
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Sterling Silver White Diamonds Heart Pendant Necklace $59.99 This attractive heart pendant is crafted with sterling silver and round-cut white diamonds. The beautiful cable chain pendant is secured with spring clasp and delights with high polished finish. |
