This fabulous vintage silver-gilt Abalone shell necklace is a true statement piece — bold, sculptural, and unlike anything we’ve seen before. 

Crafted from silver with a soft yellow gold/gilt finish, it radiates a warm, luxurious glow that perfectly complements the natural shimmer of the Abalone.

Designed in a semi-festoon collar style, the necklace features 36 round, carved Abalone cabochons, each individually set within a scalloped bezel mount. 

The shells display a mesmerising iridescencem resembling a *chatoyancy that shifts and rolls across the surface, creating a cat’s-eye-like effect that seems to move with the light — a captivating play of colour that ranges from a shimmering plum and taupe to soft mauve, pink, and pale blue-green.

Measuring 41 cm in circumference, it sits beautifully around the neck, with a sense of balance and presence that commands attention. The piece is finished with a large 4 cm x 2 cm oval floral box clasp, richly detailed and exceptionally secure — a perfect finishing touch to this remarkable design.

Weighing an impressive 116 grams, this necklace has a substantial feel and a look of pure opulence. Its craftsmanship, condition, and striking visual impact make it a spectacular and rare find for any collector or lover of distinctive, perhaps unique, vintage jewellery.

*“Polished abalone shell does not produce a genuine cat’s eye (chatoyant) effect. Instead, it displays iridescence—a multicolored, dynamic shimmer caused by light interference within its nacre layers. While visually captivating, the optical mechanism and resulting appearance differ fundamentally from true chatoyancy”.

STONES
Abalone shell

MEASUREMENTS
Neck circumference 41cm
Clasp - 4 x 2cm
Each Abalone round section - 1.5cm

WEIGHT
116 Grams

MARKS
None

ERA 
Vintage

CONDITION
Very good to excellent vintage condiment.  The Abalone shell is all in excellent condition, no chips, no dulling and displays a wonderful ‘chatoyant’ rolling iridescence.  Some loss to tongue of clasp where it enters the main claps area, noting for accuracy only. A spectacular piece!