Antique Etruscan Revival Victorian fringe necklace gold turquoise English (7450)

Antique Etruscan Revival Victorian fringe necklace. Gold, turquoise. Made in England, United Kingdom. Circa 1860-80.  

Measurements: Weight is 20.9 grams. Approximately 29.5 inches (75cm) long in total; turquoise section approximately 13.5 inches (34cm) long. Drops about 0.9cm. 

Description : A gold chain very finely made in small sections. Each section of coiled gold wire with a border of gold 'stoppers' at either end. Each gold section suspends a gold S-shaped drop. These links can swing up or down, an indication of the lavish care the craftsman took with fine details. The terminals of the 's' like globules, typical of Etruscan Revival jewelry. Below these drops are colette-set turquoise cabochons with a further golden globule at the bottom.
These form a beautiful and delicate fringe that surrounds the neck.
The turquoise is of a lovely intense blue, with insignificant natural mottling. 
At some point in its long history, the necklace must have belonged to a very large woman and an additional simple chain was added at either end to facilitate a very large neck. The chain can easily be removed or shortened. 

Marks and Metal:  No marks. Central, original part tests at least 14k gold. Additional chain is 9k gold.    

Condition: Good with negligible wear commensurate with age.  Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.   

THE STORY: From the middle to the late 19th century, Victorians were obsessed with the archaelogical finds in Europe, particularly Italy. The most ancient people inhabiting parts of Italy were the Etruscans, who made magnificent gold jewelry, unrivalled for centuries. During the Etruscan Revival era, jewellers around the world tried to emulate this jewelry. Most notable was Castellani, who further encouraged the rage for Etruscan Revival jewelry. 
This necklace is a classic example of the Etruscan Revival style with its fine gold work. The rich combination of gold and turquoise looks fantastic around any neck - delicate and yet striking.