ABSOLUTELY EXQUISITE ANTIQUE VICTORIAN - ART NOUVEAU, c.1890 - 1900, OSTBY & BARTON TOPAZ SEED PEARL NECKLACE IN ROSE GOLD . Although the piece is not signed, the piece was made by Ostby & Barton, one of the most well-known jewelry manufacturers of the period. The firm was founded in 1879 and seems to have disappeared about 1950. One of the principals, Engelhart Ostby, perished in 1912 aboard the Titanic, while his adult daughter survived. The center of this gorgeous piece holds an Antique Mine Cut Topaz Gem measuring about 4mm in diameter. It is surrounded by a ring of genuine Seed Pearls, an element quite popular in fine jewelry design during this period. From the bottom hangs a genuine River Pearl Drop that dangles and moves when worn. The pendant and chain are both solid 10K Gold with a Victorian Rose hue. It has the most exquisite scrolling Art Nouveau Filigree Scroll detailing, detail that Ostby and Barton are known for. The pendant measures about 1 7/8 inch long from top to bottom and about 5/8 inch across. The chain is about 16 inches long. The piece is in beautiful estate condition, ready to wear or for gift giving. A gorgeous estate piece sure to please for many years to come.
