Necklance Formed of Eight Dress Ornaments with Eight Links
ca. 1600 (with 19th century additions)
Medium
Gold, enamel, rubies, pearls
Dimensions
L. 42 cm
Classification
Jewelry, Precious Metals and Precious Stones
Culture
probably Transylvanian, possibly South German or Vienna
Department
Robert Lehman Collection
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
Accession Number
1975.1.1528
Art Historical Context
This exquisite necklace, titled *Necklace Formed of Eight Dress Ornaments Eight Links*, hails from around 1600, likely crafted in Transylvania with possible influences from South German or Viennese workshops. Originally designed as dress ornaments, these eight gold plaques were later linked together in the 19th century to create a 42 cm long chain, showcasing how precious heirlooms were adapted over time. Adorned with vibrant enamel work, rubies, and pearls, it the opulence of early modern European jewelry, reserved for nobility and reflecting wealth through its lavish materials. The piece ca...