Robert Belcher Antiques

Description

A stunning and highly distinctive matched jewellery suite from the 1960s, consisting of a substantial silver bracelet and a matching cluster ring. Both pieces showcase the rare beauty of authentic, peacock colored iridescent Biwa pearls.

The striking bracelet features large, uniquely shaped Biwa pearls displaying a magnificent peacock lustre, elegantly contrasted by small, round freshwater pearls. The piece secures with an ornate T-bar toggle clasp featuring applied filigree work and set with two additional freshwater pearls. The T-bar can be inserted into either of the two decorative silver rings, providing convenient size adjustment.

The matching silver ring mirrors this dramatic design with a large peacock Biwa pearl accompanied by two freshwater pearls—one of which is a rare black variant. The cluster is beautifully anchored by a large, luminous moonstone that catches the light wonderfully. Mirroring the thoughtful engineering of the era, the ring's shank was originally crafted with an adjustable, bypass design, allowing it to be resized comfortably.

The ring is stamped 925 for Sterling silver. The bracelet is unmarked but has been fully tested and verified as silver, a characteristic typical of the local mid-century artisans crafting jewellery directly around Lake Biwa in Japan, where these historic pearls originate.

• Origin: Lake Biwa, Japan
• Period: Mid Century Modern, circa 1960
• Materials: Sterling Silver (Tested), Iridescent Biwa Pearls, Freshwater Pearls, and Moonstone
• Condition: Good vintage condition. All settings are secure, and the silver retains a beautiful, bright finish with light, age-appropriate patina.
• Dimensions:
o Bracelet Length: 20cm (Measured from T-bar to the final adjustment ring) × Width 2.8cm × Depth 0.7cm
o Ring Setting: Length 2.7cm × Width 2.5cm
o Ring Size: Approximately UK O to R (Adjustable bypass shank)

Biwa pearls are unique freshwater cultured pearls originally grown in Lake Biwa, Japan. They are famous for their distinct elongated, stick-like, or irregular baroque shapes and high lustre. Genuine pearls from Lake Biwa are extremely rare today due to historic water pollution, but the name is still widely used to describe similar elongated freshwater pearls farmed elsewhere.

FREE UK MAINLAND DELIVERY.
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We no longer have shop premises. All of our items can be viewed online.
If you wish to see an item, we will be more than happy to arrange a viewing.

Many thanks
Wendy and Robert