1920s Slithering Snakes and Blue Topaz Czech Glass Sautoir Necklace

Recognized for its outstanding craftsmanship and quality, Czech glass has a rich history dating back to the 3rd century.

Originating in Bohemia, which is now part of the Czech Republic, Czech glassmakers cultivated their own unique glassmaking techniques including the process of molding glass to create pressed glass beads as well as fire-polished finishes. These groundbreaking skills allowed for identical glass beads to be mass produced quickly and inexpensively and it revolutionized the jewelry making industry. 

The onslaught of WWI nearly collapsed the bead making industry. After the war was over, Bohemia became part of the new state of Czechoslovakia. By 1928, the Czechs were the largest bead exporter in the world until a year later when the Great Depression struck, sinking the industry once more.

Bead production starting making a comeback in the mid 1930s, only to be crushed again by the turmoil of WWII when the country was split again under Nazi and Communist rule.

This serpentine necklace was created during Czechoslovakia's heyday between WWI and the Great Depression.

Fashioned in antique brass with a wonderful patina, this striking necklace features an oval fancy link chain accented with two filigree teardrop spacers set with faceted blue topaz Czech glass.

However, the pièce de résistance is the gorgeous pendant, which features a large vesica piscis shaped brass filigree setting composed of art nouveau style scroll work. The spellbinding centerpiece showcases an oval shaped piece of faceted blue topaz Czech glass encompassed by two 3-dimentional slithering snakes.

Hanging from the pendant is a third filigree teardrop accented with another piece of faceted topaz Czech glass.

Necklace fastens at the nape of the neck with a spring ring.