C.1790-1800. An exceptionally rare and special Georgian Wedgwood beads sautoir chain necklace. The chain is composed of the blue and white Wedgwood Jasperware beads, faceted cut steel and 18k gold. An original and matching blue and white Wedgwood beaded watch key is hanging from the chain, and we absolutely adore it. The playful juxtaposition of two distinct Wedgwood porcelain bead shapes and the contrasting metals of cut steel and 18k gold renders this piece remarkably unique and stylish, even after 230 years. Each flat disc of porcelain is framed in gold and is double-sided.
The beads exhibit subtle imperfections and color variations, indicative of their hand-crafted origin and dating them to the late 18th or early 19th century. This contrasts with later 19th-century and subsequent beads, which display a higher degree of mass-manufacturing consistency.
Upon close inspection of this piece, a few small chips are discernible in the white flower petals, and one tiny cut steel stud is missing from a flat disc. The turquoise stud in one disc appears to be a later replacement; however, the chain was acquired in its present state. The chain can be elegantly worn at its full sautoir length or doubled. Overall, it remains in good antique condition.