Garnet Slices Pearls Chatelaine Shell Scent Bottle Necklace - Guinevere II Necklace

The history of perfume during the Regency Era is a fascinating subject and this delicate necklace pays homage to the creativity and workmanship of that time. Creamy and iridescent freshwater pearls are hand linked to create a dainty necklace with gold edged garnet slice connectors stationed along the chain. The unique pendant is a chatelaine shell perfume bottle (circa 1880) with a collection of amulets perched above, including a Byzantine cross charm - as a nod to history. The fact that this charming and fragile étuis has survived the years in such good condition is remarkable. Below is an excerpt from Candice Hearn’s blog - Regency World: The 18th century was a golden age for perfumes and perfume containers. Previous centuries had favored strong fragrances to mask the disagreeable odors of everyday life, and perfumes were usually made and dispensed by apothecaries. Though still a luxury item, the rage for perfume became almost frantic, and it was often difficult for the producers to meet the demands, even with significantly expanded crops of perfume-making plants. Many new techniques and ingredients were developed during this period to satisfy the insatiable demand for perfume. The rise of fashionable fragrance brought about new and equally fashionable ways to store it, display it, wear it, and use it. The finest porcelain factories produced bottles and flasks in every imaginable shape. Scent containers were also produced in glass, rock crystal, silver, gold, enamel, amber, ivory, alabaster, and many other materials. 32 inches long / 4.25 inch pendant drop X 1.21 inches wide.