Silver Cabochon Necklace
A silver cabochon necklace brings together polished un-faceted stones and precious metal in designs spanning the late nineteenth century to the mid-century.
Silver Cabochon Necklace
The most common examples on this page are Arts and Crafts pendants and necklaces incorporating moonstones, opals and chalcedony. Makers and designers from these stylistic traditions often paired silverwork with stones shaped by hand rather than cut into facets.
Formations range from single pendants on simple chains to complex sautoirs, festoon necklaces and matching parures with earrings and rings. Forms include crosses, snake heads, and geometric drops alongside floral and naturalistic motifs.
What varies in quality
The distinction between standard commercial items and superior pieces rests on the artistry of the metalwork and the quality of the selected stones. Hand-wrought silver settings with distinct hammering or intricate wirework elevate a design above mass-produced castings.
Named makers and attributed workshops command attention through distinctive execution and documented provenance. The depth of colour and internal play of light within moonstones, opals and matrix turquoise further dictate the standing of an individual necklace.
Listings feature silver cabochon necklaces from the nineteenth century through the 1960s, incorporating moonstone, opal, turquoise and chalcedony.
The Gaskins·Mary Thew·WH Haseler·Liberty and Co·Dorrie Nossiter·George Hunt·John Paul Cooper·Amy Sandheim·Georg Jensen·Levinger and Bissinger·Theodor Fahrner
The Silver Cabochon Necklace Glossary
- Cabochon
- A gemstone shaped and polished with a smooth, convex domed surface rather than having facets. This style highlights the natural sheen or internal colours of stones like moonstone and opal.
- Festoon
- A necklace design featuring a curved drape of chains, links or bead strands suspended across the chest. These pieces often incorporate drops and pendants.
- Parure
- A matching set of jewellery consisting of items such as a necklace, earrings, brooch and ring designed to be worn together. Complete sets share identical motifs and materials.
- Sautoir
- A long necklace, often featuring a pendant or tassel at the base, popular during the early twentieth century. These pieces hang well below the collarbone.
- Bezel
- A collar of metal that surrounds and secures a gemstone by folding over its outer edge. This technique keeps cabochon stones firmly in place without the use of prongs.
Silver Cabochon Necklace: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cabochon stone?
A cabochon is a gemstone cut with a smooth, rounded top and a flat base instead of flat geometric facets. This finish draws attention to the inner glow or colour patterns of stones like moonstone, opal and chalcedony.
In older jewellery, this shaping method preserves more of the original stone weight and highlights organic qualities.
How do I date a silver necklace?
Dating relies on stylistic clues, metal hallmarks, and the specific ways stones are mounted. Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau pieces display hand-wrought textures and natural motifs typical of the early twentieth century.
Victorian and Edwardian examples often utilise denser stone configurations, fringe drops or intricate filigree work characteristic of the nineteenth century.
Are these necklaces fragile?
While durable enough for careful wear, antique and vintage pieces require gentle handling. Softer stones like opals, pearls and moonstones are sensitive to harsh chemicals, impact and sudden temperature changes.
Storing each piece separately prevents the silver settings and stones from scratching against other items in a collection.
What is an Arts and Crafts pendant?
An Arts and Crafts pendant is a handcrafted piece of jewellery created during the movement that championed traditional craftsmanship over industrial manufacturing. These items often feature hammered silver, visible tool marks and carefully selected cabochon gemstones.
Designs frequently draw inspiration from nature, medieval art and floral forms, resulting in individual pieces with distinct character.