SALE PENDING GRAND Etruscan-Style 'Gordian Knot' Grand Parure, RARE McFadden

Jewelry : Vintage : Costume : Mary Mcfadden

 

Toast any occasion in the grandest style with this Etruscan-inspired "Gordian knot" grand parure by Mary McFadden.

This four-piece set consists of a necklace, a watch-hinged bracelet, a pair of earrings and a ring; done in one of the most enduring and classic of Roman designs. Dated 1988, and was produced in limited numbers by The Franklin Mint.

Dubbed as a "fashion archaelogist", McFadden is renowned for romantic and inventive haute couture that draws inspiration from her extensive worldwide travels. A current exhibit called "Goddesses" (runs thru Aug. 30 at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C.) honors McFadden's contributions to the fashion world.

In the late '80s, McFadden dabbled in jewelry, creating a collection of "Worldly Treasures" (see trio of pins from this collection in the store; all sold) and producing with The Franklin Mint limited-run pieces. Our set is among these.

McFadden jewelry pieces are scarce; a full set is almost impossible to find. Ours came out of an estate of a vintage jewelry collector who bought it new and rarely used it.

The Etruscans, who lived in ancient Italy, perfected certain goldsmithing techniques and used these for decorative purposes like jewelry-making.

Among these is granulation, which involves creating decorative motifs out of tightly packed precious metal beads like gold. Jewelry makers then and now have tried to duplicate this look, as well as combine other Etruscan favorites like knot and rope motifs and the art of repoussé (hammering out the design from the inside of the metal).

McFadden's interpretation of the Etruscan style includes a huge Gordian knot that is the centerpiece of the necklace and of this set. The knot theme carries over beautifully to the other pieces, particularly the impressive watch-bangle. In true Etruscan spirit, the set is plated in 22-karat gold.

In the necklace, the knot is permanently suspended from a two-strand mixed faux baroque pearls and gilt beads. The knot is about 2 3/4" x 1 1/2"; it is part of the 18 1/2" long necklace. The necklace has an ornate hook clasp also with the same granulated design, and an extension chain.

The bracelet has two strands of rigid rope, with small knots flanking the mother-of-pearl dial. It is hinged on one side of the watch, and has a hidden push-in clasp. Watch has a 1" x 1" dial; the bracelet is about 1 1/4" wide and has a girth of 7".

The earrings are half rope hoops, and for pierced ears. Measure 1" x 1/4".

The ring has a large baroque pearl accent. It is a size 6 1/2" - 7 1/2" and is 1/2" wide. The pearl top has a depth of 3/4".

The set is in excellent condition, with hardly any wear. The watch works.

I have seen the necklace and watch bracelet sold separately for over $200 each. Ours is a rare full set. This is as good as it gets.

Item ID: 0709-McFA4