Vintage Rhinestone Bow Torsade Necklace Appraisal

Vintage Rhinestone Bow Torsade Necklace

This item is a vintage rhinestone necklace, characterized by its silver-tone metal construction and numerous small, clear rhinestones. The necklace features a main chain composed of a single strand of closely set square or rectangular facet-cut rhinestones, forming a flexible, uniform band. This design is often referred to as a 'tennis necklace' or a 'torsade' style due to its continuous, flexible nature. The centerpiece of the necklace is a decorative bow or knot motif, heavily encrusted with smaller, round rhinestones, which gives it a sparkling and elegant appearance. The bow element appears to be integrated into the necklace chain rather than being a separate pendant, suggesting a more cohesive design. The metalwork, particularly visible in the clasp and the bow structure, exhibits a silver-tone finish. While specific materials cannot be definitively identified without closer inspection, the presence of rhinestones suggests it is likely costume jewelry, possibly made from a base metal such as pot metal, brass, or white metal, with a silver-colored plating. The overall condition appears good, with no immediately visible missing stones or significant tarnishing, although minor surface wear consistent with age and use might be present upon closer examination. The clasp is a hook-and-eye or box clasp type, common in vintage jewelry, designed to blend seamlessly with the rhinestone chain. The style, with its glamorous bow motif and continuous rhinestone design, points towards a mid-20th century era, likely 1940s to 1960s, a period when such sparkling costume jewelry was highly fashionable. The craftsmanship appears decent for costume jewelry, with all stones intact and aligned. The necklace emanates an air of sophisticated adornment typical of cocktail or evening wear from its probable era.