Shreve, Crump & Low is a legendary American company and merchant of fine jewelry, watches and gifts. Considered a New England Institution, the story of this well respected firm originally began in 1796. With many transitions of ownership throughout the years, Shreve, Crump & Low officially consolidated to take the eponymous namesake in 1869, standing for the same values of luxury that it did when it first originated. In the late 1980s, the great-great grandson of Benjamin Shreve sold the company to a Canadian conglomerate, thus ending the reign of one of the longest family owned and privately held guild jewelers in America. In 2005, 2nd generation family jeweler David Walker purchased the Boston gem from foreign ownership in hopes to return the luster to the legendary establishment. With multiple locations, Shreve, Crump & Low continues to offer fine jewelry, watches and gifts and their name remains as one of the most respected American luxury jewelry names.
This fantastic mixed metals necklace is a superb example of the Shreve, Crump & Low craft. From the Art Nouveau (ca1910) era, the incredibly ornate necklace is crafted in 14kt gold and includes a large shield-shaped locket that hangs from an impressive link chain. Both components of the necklace have gorgeous mixed metal details, and a nature-inspired motif. The surface of the locket displays an Aesthetic Movement design, which consists of a bird, two flowers and leafy stems. The lovely scene comes to life with hand etchings, raised details, and rose, white green and yellow gold accents. When opened, the interior of the locket reveals an oval-shaped space to store special photographs behind a glass frame. The locket hangs from a large fluted bail at the top, attaching to the chain at a hidden hook bail.
Forming the chain is a row of fantastically decorative gold links, which meet at a hidden clasp in the back. The links are large in size and graduate slightly towards the back, each carrying a unique nature-inspired design, perfectly complimenting the locket. With an alternating pattern, every other link depicts a wonderful bird amidst an idyllic scene while the remaining links display a less ornate, yet equally beautiful, floral motif. Like the locket, all of the links are detailed with hand etching, raised details and rose, white, green and yellow gold accents. The large, ornate links are separated by yellow gold loop connectors, which provide the perfect finishing touch. The inside of the locket as well as the back of the center plaque link are both stamped with the Shreve, Crump & Low hallmark. A true work of art, this beautiful necklace remains in pristine Antique condition and looks fantastic on. An absolutely magnificent Aesthetic Movement piece, the statement necklace would make an incredible addition to any antique jewelry collection!
Measurements: The chain measures 16.5" long. The large plaque links range in size with the largest measuring approximately 1" at the widest and 7/8" tall, while the smallest measures approximately 3/4" at the widest and 3/4" tall. The gold loop connectors measure a little more than 3/8" long. The shield-shaped locket measures 1 5/8" tall, 1 1/4" at the widest point, and 1/4" thick. It hangs 2 1/4" long, including the bail at the top.
Condition: The overall condition of the necklace is excellent. Besides normal surface wear, there is no apparent damage to the gold setting or mixed metals details. The chain links, loop connectors, and push clasp are secure and in good working condition. The locket opens easily and snaps securely shut and the glass frame covering is intact inside.