Victorian Gold & Silver Harlequin Necklace

A rare necklace that was made circa 1880. It has been set with a kaleidoscope of different gem stones that are graded from the smallest at the back to the largest at the front. This style is known as a Harlequin pattern because the rainbow effect of many colours was associated with the traditional costume of the Harlequin in the Italian Commedia dell’Arte. The gem stones include sapphires, rubies, peridots, aquamarines, garnets, topaz, citrines, zircons, tourmalines, and amethysts. The clasp is so pretty and has also been set with a harlequin of gemstones in a cluster design. The gemstones are in silver settings and the reverse is gold wash. It looks stunning when worn