Art Deco Crystal Festoon Necklace

Sometimes the most beautiful things come out of a revolution and this gorgeous necklace is no exception!

In the late 1700s, as proponents of the Enlightenment Period began to buck the exorbitant lifestyles of the aristocracy, a new movement in fashion began to take shape. It was one that reflected the new morals and philosophies of the period -- such as an emphasis on knowledge and human happiness.

The Neoclassical era, as it became known, took inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman works of art -- trading in powdered wigs and restricting, tight-fitting clothing, for flimsy, curve-hugging feminine silhouettes with plunging necklines reminiscent of ancient Greek goddesses.

Naturally, with this new style of dress came the demand for a new style of jewelry and thus the festoon necklace was born.

A suitable form of ornamentation for a lady's décolletage, the festoon necklace was designed to mimic a garland of flowers, ribbons or leaves. It is often characterized by having multiple cascading chains, swags, beads or drops arranged in a draped fashion.

This gorgeous swag necklace is a later iteration hailing from the 1920s.

Crafted in dreamy, brilliant sterling silver, this statement piece features an array of faceted square cut crystals that dazzle like diamonds in every light. 

This is truly an eye-catching little number!