A mother-of-pearl leaf necklace from 1930s-40s France.
This is a very old, entirely handmade necklace featuring leaf-shaped shell pieces that have been hand-cut and woven together with cotton thread.
The mother-of-pearl is a pure, iridescent white, made from white-lipped pearl oyster without any dark or metallic coloring.
Hand-cut into leaf shapes and patterns,
it encircles the neck with a serrated edge, giving it the feel of a choker or a detachable collar.
The thread has a natural, aged ecru tone, and the clasp is made of brass set with a white stone or possibly plastic.
Unified in white and ecru throughout, this necklace embodies the "pure and innocent" meaning associated with mother-of-pearl.
Mother-of-pearl is a natural material that has been cherished since ancient times,
used not only for jewelry but also for the decoration of furniture; it is a durable and hard material.
As the name suggests, it is the shell that nurtures pearls, symbolizing motherhood and compassion,
which is why it is often chosen as an amulet for mothers and babies before and after childbirth. It's so lovely.
Mother-of-pearl is auspicious in every way, with various meanings and folklore associated with it.
It began to be used in jewelry in earnest from the 1920s, and can be found in pieces from many different countries.
Because of its age, it is often found in questionable condition,
but this piece is in remarkably good condition compared to others I have seen. The thread is not weak and remains sturdy. You can see it in the back: it is a tight, strong weave.
I wouldn't recommend wearing it on a scorching day when you might sweat profusely, but it is still tough enough for regular use!
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material - mother of pearl / cotton thread
diameter - 39.5cm
condition - no issues
