c1860 VICTORIAN 15ct GOLD CABOCHON GARNET EARLY ETRUSCAN REVIVAL TASSELLED SLIDE PENDANT NECKLACE ANTIQUE

Sensational, very rare, Victorian early Etruscan Revival slide pendant necklace c1860.  A beautifully hand forged and moulded fancy link rope  chain, hung asymmetrically with the ends finished with finely wrought, articulated tinkly bell-like tassels, decorated (as the central pendant plaque also) with the applique fine gold wire rope twist and ball design so characteristic of  Etruscan Revival goldwork.  The pendant slide (fixed) is styled as an unfurling ribbon or banner in 3 dimensions, centred by a stunning, rich red garnet cut en cabochon in a cut down collet mount.  This style of asymmetric rope chain necklace is very unusual and when seen is typically from the late Georgian to early Victorian period, as is the style of cut and moulding detailing the fancy chain akin to late Georgian guard or muff chain styles: significant influences places this example at the earliest stage of the Etruscan Revival period (c1860)