RAYMOND YARD Art Deco pearl necklace diamonds platinum opera length triple (7430)

Vintage Art Deco necklace. Pearls, diamonds, platinum. Made 1940's by Raymond Yard in New York, NY USA.  

Measurements: Weight is 34.4 grams. Length approximately 50.4 inches (128cm).  3 central diamonds approximately 1.16ct; Cultured Pearls measure approximately 4.05 - 7.25mm. 

Description : Unique concept in a long, opera length real cultured pearl necklace. The necklace can be worn in a number of ways: at it's impressive full length that falls below the waist or, wound 3 times around the neck, in classic royal style. (think Queen Elizabeth). To facilitate this option, the pearls don't simply decrease in size towards the clasp, but have 3 larger areas, so that the biggest pearls will fall in the front, regardless of whether the necklace is worn singly or as a triple necklace. 

Clasp is very beautiful, set with a line of 3 Old European Cut diamonds in the center, flanked on the sides by two rows of 5 smaller diamonds - 10 in total.  A very clever system doubly secures the clasp. The hinged metal strip with the maker's name YARD lifts up, allowing the tongue to slip into the 'groove' easily and then to easily locking it back in place. This ingenious system is indicative of an exceptionally well-made and highly regarded item. 

Marks and Metal: The back of the clasp is signed YARD.  The 'tongue' of the clasp is numbered 24127 (the number is difficult to see).    

Condition: Good with minor 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: Raymond Yard began as a youth, sweeping the store of one of New York's most prestigious jewelry companies, Marcus & Co. He rose in the ranks until his patron and mentor, John D. Rockefeller Jr. helped him open a store on his own. The Raymond Yard store opened on 5th Ave New York in 1922.  It served some of the wealthiest leading families in America at the time. People like the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, Fleischmanns, Flaglers, and Woolworths. Yard jewelry was considered the height of luxury. Raymond Yard was known for his custom-made pieces which means that many items were entirely unique.  Yard jewelry is often imaginative and quirky, combining fun with serious workmanship and quality.