Vintage-Superb Large Polynesian Bench Worked Fabric/Shell & Coral Set Necklace

  

Antique/Early Vintage circa 1920's Fine Quality Artisan Hand made Polynesian Collar Style Necklace in Bench-worked Fabric (likely Silk) mounted with a central set hollow Shell spiral finished with a closing gallery of small cowrie shells out lined with a half star of small sea shell and shell roundels inset with Red Coral, the edge to the collar is decorated with a double enclosing gallery of sea shells finished to the rim with a strung gallery of cowrie shells, the rim is set with a tasselled fringe of strung shells, coral and beads giving a'tremolo' effect when worn, the mounting collar to the necklace that is to worn and secured about the neck is secured with a duo of large cowrie shell, the collar fitting is finely worked and woven into a braided pattern, the neck fitting terminates with shell clasp and string so as to secure about the neck. The item was likely a grand tour piece of the period, brought back to England as a tribal souvenir piece. The Necklace is in very good condition throughout, is intact with all shells and coral present as well as all bench-worked fabric being in good order, the pendant to the necklace (excluding collar fitting) when laid out flat including fringe measures 30 cm in width and 28 cm in length, the collar fitting measures roughly 55 cm in length and has a shank diameter of approximately 1.8 cm. This item is in the category "Jewellery & Watches\Vintage & Antique Jewellery\Necklaces & Pendants".

The seller is "jojosjewellery" and is located in this country: GB. This item can be shipped worldwide.

• Department: Unisex Adult
• Handmade: Yes
• Vintage: Yes
• Era: Art Deco (1915-1935)
• Material: Shell
• Year Manufactured: 1920-1929
• Main Stone Colour: Multicolour
• Jewellery Department: Costume
• Secondary Stone: Coral
• Brand: Unbranded
• Style: Beaded, Collar, Fringe, Layered
• Country of Origin: French Polynesia Includes Tahiti
• Type: Necklace
• Original/Reproduction: Original