Edwardian Pearl Choker Collar Necklace

There's nothing quite like a versatile piece of jewelry, one that serves as a beautifying adornment and has super protective powers. Chokers, dating back thousands of years to one of the earliest civilizations, the Sumer empire in Mesopotamia, have been used not only as decoration, but also to protect what was perceived to be one of the most vulnerable parts of the body--the neck. It is also believed that they imparted power to the wearer. Down through the ages, the choker has fallen in and out of fashion. Decidedly in fashion during the Edwardian era--their popularity influenced by Alexandra of Denmark, the wife of King Edward VII--this exquisite confection is exemplary of the choker style of the period. A woven wonder of shimmering seed pearls, it features three plaques adorned with flower basket motifs, delicately rendered in platinum-over-gold and tiny twinkling rose-cut diamonds. A regal and feminine treasure. Crafted in platinum over 18 karat gold, and 9 karat gold clasp (this likely of British origin) and dividers, circa 1900-1920. 1 1/4 inches wide by 13 inches in length.