Openwork design to the baroque pearl and garnet surround. 39 cm lenght Italian women have always loved lavish display. Even for the poorest, a rich show of jewellery was all important. Italian goldsmiths were expert at making a little material go a very long way. The garnets in this necklace have been backed with red metallic foil to improve their colour. Red and gold are the dominant colours in Italian traditional jewellery. This jewellery is typical of the area around Parma and Modena, although similar patterns were found throughout central and northern Italy in the 19th century. For a very similar item see Victoria & Albert Museum: www.collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O144921/earrings/