Marina B Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace with Blue Topaz and Diamond, 1980s

A dramatic Mauboussin 18k gold and malachite pendant necklace, circa 1980s. Designed in rich yellow gold, the necklace features two large circular pendants set with inlaid malachite ...

A unique Ippolita necklace made of 18k yellow gold and gemstones. The necklace is composed of a gold chain and a large geometric pendant. The pendant comprises of four flat, drop-shaped elements. Each element features malachite, black onyx and mother-of-pearl inlaid in yellow gold to create a beautiful pattern. The organic looking pattern and a sculptural shape are signature for Ippolita’s aesthetics. The gemstones and mother-of-pearl are polished and look amazingly silky and glossy. The enlarged size pendant hanging on the delicate chain creates an impressive feel of a massive piece hovering in the air. The pendant and the chain are made of 18 karat yellow gold. The pendant is inlaid with malachite, black onyx and mother-of-pearl. The pendant measures 4" x 2 ¾” (10 x 7.2 cm) without the bail. The chain measures 26" x 1/16" ( 65 x 0.2 cm). The necklace weighs 70.1 grams. Both, the pendant and the chain, are stamped with Ippolita maker's mark, hallmark for 18 karat gold. About Ippolita Brand: Established in 1999 in New York, is a jewelry brand that reached a perfect balance between art and craftsmanship. The brand was founded by an Italian designer Ippolita Rostagno. After graduated from the Istituto d’Arte in Florence where she studied sculpture, Ippolita wanted to implement her “love of sculpture into a form of wearable art.” Today jewelry by Ippolita is made by hands and celebrates women of all ages. Since the designer added precious and semi-precious colored stones to her vocabulary, they became a cornerstone of the brand’s aesthetics. Mother-of-pearl, turquoise, malachite, rock crystal embodying Rostagno's love of nature, sculpture, and raw materials. Ippolita pieces are made for everyday wearing, however they are meticulously made. Here is where Italian heritage plays its part. Amazing hammered metal textures and curvy organic shapes are crafted by using modern technologies and traditions of old craftsmanship. About Italian jewelry: Italian Jewelry History Italian jewelry style is deeply rooted in the history of the region. The beginning of it can be marked as far as 700 BC. What we consider today as the Italian style was impacted by the ancient Greek, Roman and Etruscan cultures. Italian jewelry of all time is mostly made of yellow gold. This metal has been favored the most by the Italian makers. In the Etruscan region goldsmiths developed such processes as alloying and engraving, also the granulation method got perfected and became a signature. In the later Middle Ages, the most sought-after jewelry pieces came from Vicenza and Florence. During the Renaissance era, the art of jewelry making was as important as painting and architecture. Later, in the Baroque era, jewelry design shifted from bold and straightforward pieces to intricate and more detailed. Today Italian jewelry style and look depends on a certain maker. However, “made in Italy” jewelry always relates to luxurious lifestyle, timeless design, and exquisite manufacturing. Italian Chains In Italy chain production started somewhere back to the ancient times, as braided chains were found in Ur and Uppsala at the archaeological sites. They were crafted by using knitting technique and were precursors of the modern link chains. Thanks to Italian makers, we have Figaro, Anchor and Spiga links today. Those links could be a result of reinvented and reimagined Catholic rosaries...