Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty Imperial Court Lapis Lazuli Coral Quartz Necklace
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:96407 | Age: 1850-1899 |
| Original/Reproduction: Antique Original | Primary Material: Lapis Lazuli |
This is a fine example of genuine Qing Dynasty Imperial Court attire.
An Antique Chinese Imperial Chao Zhu Court Necklace comprised of the desired 4 sections of 27 large hand carved Natural Lapis Lazuli stone beads, 108 in total, evenly spaced by 3 larger Natural Red Coral beads with smaller bordering Peking Glass beads; the counting beads, 10 on each drop, 30 in total, comprised of Peking glass beads with 1 very large hand carved Natural Rock Crystal Quartz stone drop bead wit...h brass mount on the end of each counting bead strand, making 3 Quartz Crystals in total. The counter weight (traditionally worn behind the neck, with the long silk cord hanging down the back) with a large brass and enameled plaque featuring a large Natural Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye in the middle - a truly rare and exquisite find within an Antique Chinese Imperial Court Necklace! At the end of the counter weight, attached to the long silk cord, is another huge Natural Rock Crystal Quartz stone bead drop, making a total of 4 Crystal Quartz stone beads in this necklace.
These necklaces with Natural Lapis Lazuli are rare, especially with beads of this size and high quality, with most of these stones having that desired royal blue with numerous flecks of pyrite with gorgeous striations. Even more rare are these Natural Red Coral beads in this size. It is also remarkable to see how much care was taken that all 108 Natural Lapis stones were evenly hand carved to be the same size and shape (one can only imagine how long that would have taken over 100 years ago!) - the same apparent for the Natural Coral beads - great care was taken to achieve uniformity for these very important beads. There is so much beauty and rarity within this necklace, making this a very desirable piece among top collectors.
The higher grade gemstones, the more important the necklace is, and this piece is a prestigious example. A must-have in any fine collection!
Lapis Lazuli stones are 15mm. Red Coral beads are 16mm. Cat's Eye stone is 32mm wide. Quartz Crystal stones range from 1.25 - 1.75" long. Total Weight: 1.4 lbs
In Excellent Antique Condition, stringing still tight, minimal wear to the gemstones and the silk cords. The Lapis Lazuli stones have natural flaws, including striations, pitting - natural indentations in the stones; on a couple stones, you can see some tiny bits of white calcite (as Natural Lapis contains calcite) - this actually shows that these stones are not dyed, as is commonly found in reproduction Chinese court necklaces. The Quartz stones also display natural flaws, only adding to their overall beauty - the inclusions are quite beautiful. The smallest of the four quartz stones has a chip to one side, which I photographed - looks more like a piece naturally broke off at the site of the natural inclusion. As you can see, this is not noticeable unless pointed out (as it does not change the tear-drop shape), and does not detract from the overall beauty of this spectacular necklace. This piece displays beautifully, and can even be worn, as it is very well intact.
An overall incredible Antique Chinese Choa Zhu Court Necklace that will be the perfect addition to any collection, and will only increase in value over time!
Please check out our other listings for more wonderful vintage and antique pieces!
An Antique Chinese Imperial Chao Zhu Court Necklace comprised of the desired 4 sections of 27 large hand carved Natural Lapis Lazuli stone beads, 108 in total, evenly spaced by 3 larger Natural Red Coral beads with smaller bordering Peking Glass beads; the counting beads, 10 on each drop, 30 in total, comprised of Peking glass beads with 1 very large hand carved Natural Rock Crystal Quartz stone drop bead wit...h brass mount on the end of each counting bead strand, making 3 Quartz Crystals in total. The counter weight (traditionally worn behind the neck, with the long silk cord hanging down the back) with a large brass and enameled plaque featuring a large Natural Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye in the middle - a truly rare and exquisite find within an Antique Chinese Imperial Court Necklace! At the end of the counter weight, attached to the long silk cord, is another huge Natural Rock Crystal Quartz stone bead drop, making a total of 4 Crystal Quartz stone beads in this necklace.
These necklaces with Natural Lapis Lazuli are rare, especially with beads of this size and high quality, with most of these stones having that desired royal blue with numerous flecks of pyrite with gorgeous striations. Even more rare are these Natural Red Coral beads in this size. It is also remarkable to see how much care was taken that all 108 Natural Lapis stones were evenly hand carved to be the same size and shape (one can only imagine how long that would have taken over 100 years ago!) - the same apparent for the Natural Coral beads - great care was taken to achieve uniformity for these very important beads. There is so much beauty and rarity within this necklace, making this a very desirable piece among top collectors.
The higher grade gemstones, the more important the necklace is, and this piece is a prestigious example. A must-have in any fine collection!
Lapis Lazuli stones are 15mm. Red Coral beads are 16mm. Cat's Eye stone is 32mm wide. Quartz Crystal stones range from 1.25 - 1.75" long. Total Weight: 1.4 lbs
In Excellent Antique Condition, stringing still tight, minimal wear to the gemstones and the silk cords. The Lapis Lazuli stones have natural flaws, including striations, pitting - natural indentations in the stones; on a couple stones, you can see some tiny bits of white calcite (as Natural Lapis contains calcite) - this actually shows that these stones are not dyed, as is commonly found in reproduction Chinese court necklaces. The Quartz stones also display natural flaws, only adding to their overall beauty - the inclusions are quite beautiful. The smallest of the four quartz stones has a chip to one side, which I photographed - looks more like a piece naturally broke off at the site of the natural inclusion. As you can see, this is not noticeable unless pointed out (as it does not change the tear-drop shape), and does not detract from the overall beauty of this spectacular necklace. This piece displays beautifully, and can even be worn, as it is very well intact.
An overall incredible Antique Chinese Choa Zhu Court Necklace that will be the perfect addition to any collection, and will only increase in value over time!
Please check out our other listings for more wonderful vintage and antique pieces!
