About this lot

Description

the two rows of smaller and larger grey simulated pearls meeting at the front in a mother-of-pearl disc on which is a flower set with faux brilliants and a coloured glass bead, surmounted by smaller similarly set flowers, with three more at the back of the necklace and a signed hook clasp to allow variable length 38-45cm, fancy pierced backing to the central feature with oval cartouche signed 'Miriam Haskell'

Footnote: Other notes: Miriam Haskell (1899-1981) was an American designer of costume jewellery from the 1920s to the 1960s. She moved to New York City from Indiana in 1924 with apparently just $500 in her pocket. By 1926, she had opened a boutique in the old McAlpin Hotel, and a second outlet at West 57th Street. In the 1930s, the company relocated to 392 Fifth Avenue. The stylish yet affordable jewels were popular throughout the Great Depression, and Haskell went on to open boutiques at Saks Fifth Avenue and Burdine's, as well as stores in Miami and London. Her jewellery was worn for publicity shots, films, and personal use by movie stars including Joan Crawford and Lucille Ball, and it is said that Crawford owned a set of almost every Haskell piece ever produced from the 1920s through to the 1960s. Other famous collectors included Gloria Vanderbilt and the Duchess of Windsor. Jewellery from Miriam Haskell, despite being classed as 'costume', is known for its quality components, intricate hand work, and stylish design and is hugely popular and highly collectible, often commanding high prices.

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